Judge rejects fashion mogul Peter Nygard's bid to be released from jail

Manitoba judge denies Peter Nygard bail A judge has dashed Winnipeg fashion icon Peter Nygard's bid to be released from jail.

WINNIPEG — A Canadian fashion leader facing sex trafficking and racketeering charges in the United States will have to remain in jail after an unsuccessful attempt to appeal an earlier ruling that denied him bail.

The decision released Friday says Peter Nygard's detention is necessary to maintain confidence in the administration of justice, especially given the extreme nature and scope of the allegations.

The ruling says the allegations "paint a picture of criminal conduct that was planned, financed and executed on a staggering scale."

Nygard was arrested in December in Winnipeg under the Extradition Act and faces nine counts in the Southern District of New York.

Authorities there accuse the 79-year-old of using his influence in the fashion industry to lure women and girls with the promise of modelling and other financial opportunities.

The judge who originally denied Nygard bail had cited concerns that he would contact witnesses if released.

Federal prosecutors argued that Nygard has the finances and personnel available to assist him in obstructing justice.

Nygard's lawyers presented an augmented release plan that included monitoring all emails and text messages.

The plan, as told to court, also involved an in-home security guard and 24-hour video surveillance.

Defence lawyer Brian Greenspan had told court his client denied all the allegations and posed no risk if released.

He said Nygard's health was rapidly deteriorating behind bars and he would be at significant risk if he contracted COVID-19.

Court has heard that Nygard is kept alone in a cell meant for three prisoners at Headingley Correction Centre outside Winnipeg. There is a television and phone in the cell and he has access to a diet for diabetics.

A formal extradition request from the U.S. was received by Canadian authorities in February. It details the accounts of seven alleged victims who are expected to testify in a criminal trial in that country.

There is a publication ban on any information that could identify the complainants or witnesses.

The women allege their livelihood and their movement became dependent on having sex with Nygard. They say it was coerced through financial means or physical force.

U.S. prosecutors have said text messages and emails support the allegations.

Nygard is also the subject of a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. involving 57 women with similar allegations.

He stepped down as chairman of his company after the FBI and police raided his offices in New York City in February 2020.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 26, 2021