During a bail hearing in Toronto, the wife of a lawyer from Ontario allegedly involved in an international drug smuggling operation stated that she never witnessed her husband receiving extravagant gifts or large sums of cash from clients throughout their long marriage. Mandy Paradkar was questioned by federal prosecutors regarding the couple’s financial situation and assets as she testified in court.
The lawyer in question, Deepak Paradkar, was among eight Canadians apprehended on extradition warrants following an FBI crackdown targeting Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder accused of leading a drug trafficking network. U.S. authorities claim that Deepak Paradkar, aged 62, advised Wedding on eliminating a federal witness and introduced him to drug traffickers for the distribution of narcotics across North America. Allegations suggest that Paradkar received payments in cash bundles and high-end items like watches.
During cross-examination by the prosecution, Mandy Paradkar clarified that while it’s common for lawyers to receive cash payments from clients, the amounts her husband received did not raise any suspicions. She mentioned that she never saw him receiving any gifts apart from alcohol or chocolates from clients, nor did he discuss receiving such items with her.
The couple was revealed to possess multiple properties, including a $5 million home and a cottage, leasing four luxury cars, and going on expensive trips in recent years. They also received a $700,000 insurance settlement following a burglary where designer items and jewelry were stolen. When asked if the allegations affected her trust in her husband, Mandy Paradkar affirmed her belief in his innocence.
Deepak Paradkar proposed strict bail conditions, including 24/7 house arrest, GPS monitoring, and a $5 million joint pledge with his wife for his release until the extradition hearing. Another relative, Mandy’s cousin, offered to provide $250,000 as additional surety. Last week, the lawyer’s license was temporarily suspended by the law society’s disciplinary tribunal.