Canadian auto parts billionaire Frank Stronach is accused of sexually harassing three of his plaintiffs

TORONTO (AP) — Austrian-Canadian auto parts billionaire Frank Stronach is accused of sexually harassing three separate female plaintiffs in alleged incidents in Toronto and Aurora, Ont., according to a court document filed this week.

The document detailing the charges filed against the 91-year-old last Friday says the alleged incidents occurred in 1980, 1986 and last year.

Peel Region Police said last week that Stronach had been charged with rape, sexual assault of a woman, false imprisonment and two counts of sexual assault, but details of the charges were scarce.

Court documents filed this week say Stronach was ordered to surrender his passports and not to communicate with any of the three plaintiffs.

Stronach’s attorney Brian Greenspan said his client “categorically denies the allegations of inappropriate conduct” and looks forward to “the opportunity to fully respond to the allegations and preserve his legacy.”

Austrian-born Stronach became one of Canada’s richest people by founding Magna in his garage in 1957 and building it into one of the world’s largest auto parts suppliers.

He also founded the Stronach Group, a company specializing in horse racing. Over a decade ago, he took a brief foray into Austrian politics and was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest honors.

A Magna spokesman said Stronach has had no ties to the company since he gave up control in 2010.