The U.S. Department of Justice has taken significant action in its ongoing investigation against Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who is now one of the FBI’s most-wanted fugitives. Wedding, who competed for Team Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, is accused of orchestrating a vast drug trafficking network that operates across North America and Latin America. The FBI alleges that he has ordered dozens of murders, including the January 2025 killing of a federal witness in Medellin, Colombia, which was reportedly carried out to avoid criminal charges.
Deepak Paradkar, a Canadian defense attorney, has now faced arrest in connection with these crimes. According to the indictment, Paradkar provided legal services to Wedding and his associates that went far beyond the scope of a typical attorney-client relationship. He is accused of advising Wedding to kill a witness, which the United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated was a strategy to have the case against him dismissed. This advice, along with alleged eavesdropping on privileged communications, is seen as a betrayal of the trust he was supposed to uphold as a legal professional.
Wedding’s legal team has been actively involved in his criminal activities, according to federal officials. The indictment claims that Paradkar introduced Wedding to drug traffickers, facilitated bribery, and aided in planning murders. He was also reportedly paid with luxury watches for his services, highlighting the extent of his involvement in the criminal enterprise. The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions against Paradkar, citing his violation of ethical standards and the trust placed in him by his clients.
The case has drawn attention not just because of its high-profile nature but also due to the potential implications for legal and ethical standards in the legal profession. The indictment emphasizes that Paradkar’s actions may have contributed to the perpetration of further crimes. The FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are working together to bring Wedding to justice, with a $15 million reward for his capture. This case underscores the complexities of cross-border legal challenges and the dangers posed by individuals who exploit their positions of influence for criminal ends.
As the investigation continues, the case against Paradkar and Wedding serves as a reminder of the consequences of breaking the law and the ethical responsibilities that come with professional roles. The U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has highlighted the severity of the charges against Wedding, noting the potential for life in federal prison if convicted. This case also highlights the intersection of high-profile sports figures and criminal activity, a topic that has sparked both public interest and concern about the need for greater oversight.