Charges of sexual assault against Frank Stronach

Canadian businessman Frank Stronach has been charged with alleged sexual assault spanning four decades, police west of Toronto said 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, Ontario, was arrested on Friday and charged with rape, sexual assault of a woman, false imprisonment and two counts of sexual assault.

In a statement 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 allegations and to uphold his legacy as both a philanthropist and an icon of Canadian business,” Greenspan wrote.

According to police, Stronach was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court in Brampton at a later date.

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

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

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

“Mr. Stronach has had no connection with Magna since he relinquished control in 2010,” a spokesman for Magna International said.

“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to comment further at this time.”

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

“Frank Stronach has not held any official position for several years and is not involved in any other capacity in the company’s operations. 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 said.

Police are asking anyone with relevant information to the investigation to call 905-453-2121, extension 3460, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.