Former U of M law dean arrested in Europe as part of extradition request: police

CRIME Former U of M law dean arrested in Europe as part of extradition request: police By Sean Previl Global News Posted September 23, 2026 12:50 pm 2 min read View image in full screen University of Manitoba photographed Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE A former law dean at the University of Manitoba has been arrested in France, Winnipeg police confirmed on Wednesday. The police service confirmed to Global News that Jonathan Black-Branch had been arrested “as a result of an extradition request” and that the matter was currently before the French court system. “We are not in a position to provide further information regarding the extradition proceeding while the matter remains before the courts,” said Const. Stephen Spencer in an email. “Further information will be provided should the extradition application be successful and Black-Branch be returned to Winnipeg. Spencer added that there is a Canada-wide arrest warrant in place for Black-Branch which will remain in effect until he is returned to Winnipeg and arrested by police. Get breaking Montreal news Get breaking Montreal news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story. SIGN UP FOR BREAKING MONTREAL NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. Black-Branch was the dean of law at the University of Manitoba from 2016 to 2020. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT The Discipline Committee of the Law Society of Manitoba reported in December 2023 that he misappropriated approximately $600,000 from the university and/or the Marcel A. Desautels Centre for Private Enterprise and the Law. It allegedly occurred between April 20, 2017, and February 2020. An affidavit presented to the committee indicated the former dean spent $518,000 on activities listed as professional development, with $472,282 charged to the Desautels Endowment, and $46,441 to operating funds. Among the activities were attending non-degree programs at Harvard and Yale Universities while he was under contract at the university. MORE ON CRIME MORE VIDEOS Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 15 years in New York for 2006 sexual assault ‘Real-life miracles’: support pours in for officer injured in…