Manitoba court dismisses Peter Nygard appeal against extradition order – Winnipeg

The Manitoba Court of Appeal has denied Peter Nygard's request for a judicial review of an extradition order against the former fashion mogul accused of sex trafficking and racketeering to the United States.

The three-judge panel said there was no reason to interfere with a 2022 extradition order issued by then-Justice Minister David Lametti under the Extradition Act.

US authorities in New York have requested Newgard's extradition from Canada on nine counts of conspiracy to sexually abuse and traffic women and minor girls.

Newgard's attorneys have asked Lametti to ensure their client is not placed in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they say conditions are dire.

They also argue that Newgard should not be extradited to the U.S. on racketeering charges because Canada does not have that offense.

The appeals court says Lametti gave detailed and thorough reasons in response to Nygard's concerns and that his surrender order was justified.

It says the justice minister is satisfied that Nygard, who is in his 80s and in poor health, will be treated humanely and that there is no reason to doubt the fairness of the UC trial.

Nygard, the founder of the now-defunct women's fashion company in Canada, faced similar allegations. The extradition order means he will be sent to the U.S. after his Canadian court cases are resolved.

Newgard pleaded guilty in November to four counts of sexual assault in Toronto for offenses dating from the 1980s to the mid-2000s. He was acquitted of the fifth count as well as the forcible detention charges.

Newgard also faces one count of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement in Quebec, as well as sex-related charges in Winnipeg.

None of the charges against Newgard have been tried in court in these jurisdictions or in the United States. He always denies all the charges against him.

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