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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Parts of Canada hit with freezing rain, heavy snowfall warnings, expected to last through Monday
Significant snowfall and heavy rain hit parts of Canada on Sunday and the weather system is expected to continue into Monday morning and throughout the day.
Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader of the insurgency in Syria, has spent years working to remake his public image, renouncing to ties to al-Qaida.
Suspect wanted after victim forcibly confined, assaulted, and threatened with death in Scarborough
Police have released images of an individual who allegedly forcibly confined, and assaulted and threatened to kill another person in southwest Scarborough over the weekend.
Jay-Z accused of sexually assaulting 13-year-old in 2000 incident along with Sean 'Diddy' Combs
A woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Sean 'Diddy' Combs has amended her lawsuit to include allegations that she was also assaulted by Jay-Z at the same party.
Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a U.S. withdrawal from NATO is possible
Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as U.S. president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office.
A timeline of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the search for his killer
The search for the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's has stretched beyond New York City and continues. Here's what we know so far.
Baby found dead in south Edmonton parking lot: police
Police are investigating the death of an infant in south Edmonton.
Pantone names its colour of the year for 2025
Pantone has named an 'evocative soft brown' its colour of the year for 2025, continuing a tradition that has now run for more than a quarter of a century.
Do you recognize these men? RCMP seek Metro Vancouver grandparent scam suspects
Mounties in Metro Vancouver have released photos of two men alleged to have been involved in “numerous” so-called grandparent scams earlier this year, hoping the public can help identify them.