WINNIPEG, Manitoba — A French appeals court has ruled in favour of Canada’s request to extradite Jonathan Black-Branch, the former dean of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law, who is wanted in Manitoba on fraud charges involving university funds.
The Versailles Court of Appeal issued its decision on Friday, November 6, 2026, clearing an important legal hurdle in Canada’s efforts to bring Black-Branch back to face criminal proceedings. However, authorities have not announced a date for his transfer to Canada.
Arrested in France Earlier This Year
Black-Branch, who served as dean from 2016 to 2020, was arrested in April in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb near Paris. His arrest followed the issuance of a Canada-wide warrant on a charge of fraud over $5,000.
He appeared before the Versailles Court of Appeal on October 16 to challenge Canada’s extradition request. The court reserved its decision until November 6, when its Indictment Division ruled in favour of extradition.
The decision does not mean he has already been returned to Canada. Further arrangements must be completed before the transfer takes place.
University Investigation Found More Than $600,000 in Questionable Spending
An internal University of Manitoba investigation found that Black-Branch misused or mismanaged more than $600,000 in university funds.
According to the investigation, the money was spent on personal expenses, including bills, expensive meals at a members-only club and educational programs at Ivy League institutions.
The university subsequently asked Winnipeg police to investigate and launched legal action over alleged breaches of his employment agreement.
In May 2025, Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench ordered Black-Branch to repay approximately $682,500, plus interest and other costs. The university has said it intends to pursue available options to recover the money.
Disbarred Following Professional Investigation
Black-Branch was disbarred by the Law Society of Manitoba in 2024 following an investigation into his handling of university funds.
He had abruptly left his position at the Winnipeg institution in 2020 and moved to Europe. Reports later indicated that he worked as a lecturer at a German university between 2021 and 2025.
His professional disciplinary proceedings and the university’s civil lawsuit took place separately from the criminal investigation that led to the Canadian arrest warrant.
Canada Awaits His Return
The French court’s decision represents a significant development in the case, which has involved several years of investigations and international legal procedures.
Black-Branch remains wanted in Canada on the fraud charge. Winnipeg police have indicated that further information will be provided if the extradition process is completed and he is returned to Manitoba.
The case has also drawn attention to financial oversight and accountability at publicly funded institutions, particularly the controls governing senior university officials and institutional spending.
Swifteradio.com
