Canadian businessman Frank Stronach charged in sexual assault investigation

Canadian businessman Frank Stronach has been charged in connection with alleged sexual assaults that spanned over four decades, police west of Toronto announced on Friday.

Peel Regional Police released few details about the investigation but said in a news release that the alleged incidents occurred between the 1980s and 2023.

The 91-year-old billionaire from Aurora, Ont., was arrested on Friday and charged with rape, indecent assault on a female, forcible confinement and two counts of sexual assault.

In a statement issued to CTV News Toronto, Stronach’s lawyer, Brian Greenspan, said his client “categorically denies” the allegations.

“He looks forward to the opportunity to fully respond to the charges and maintain his legacy both (as) a philanthropist and as an icon of the Canadian business community,” Greenspan wrote.

Police said Stronach was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear at a Brampton court at a later date.

“We understand the significant public interest in this investigation. To protect the identity and privacy of the victims and to maintain the integrity of the judicial process, we will not be providing further information at this time,” Peel police spokesperson Const. Tyler Bell-Morena said in an email to CTV News Toronto.

Stronach founded Magna International Inc., an Ontario-based global automotive parts manufacturer.

The company, in a statement to CTV News Toronto, said it had no knowledge of the investigation or the allegations.

“Mr. Stronach has had no affiliation with Magna since relinquishing control in 2010,” a Magna International representative said.

“For now, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we cannot provide any further comment.”

The Stronach Group, an entertainment and real estate development company the 91-year-old also founded, said in a statement on Friday that it was aware of the charges.

“Frank Stronach has not held a formal role or been involved with company operations in any capacity for several years. This matter is now before the courts and will be dealt with in the appropriate forum. The company has nothing further to add,” the statement read.

Police ask anyone with any relevant information about the investigation to contact them at 905-453-2121 ext. 3460 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.