Ex-Manitoba law dean arrested in France, faces extradition on fraud charge

Winnipeg police have announced the arrest of Jonathan Black-Branch, a former law dean at the University of Manitoba, in France on a fraud charge. According to prosecutors, Black-Branch is accused of defrauding the institution of over $660,000 by misusing and mismanaging university funds for personal expenses, lavish meals, and education at prestigious schools.

Black-Branch, who served as law dean from 2016 until his abrupt departure in 2020, was found guilty of charging students $205 annually for a subscription, with annual renewal fees of $233. The university's internal investigation concluded that he had breached financial regulations, leading to his disbarment by the Law Society of Manitoba in 2024.

A Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued for Black-Branch earlier this year. The Winnipeg police have not disclosed the specifics of his arrest, stating that the matter is under consideration by the French court system. They have also noted that additional details will be provided if and when he is extradited back to Winnipeg.