TORONTO. Austrian-Canadian auto parts billionaire Frank Stronach, 91, has been arrested on multiple sexual assault charges spanning several decades, according to police.
Peel Regional Police announced Friday that Stronach faces five charges, including rape, indecent assault on a female, sexual assault, and forcible confinement. Following his arrest, Stronach was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date.
“There is more than one accuser,” said Peel Regional Police Constable Tyler Bell, though he declined to specify the number of alleged victims. “Obviously, this is a high-profile case. Our special victims unit is bound to protect the victims, and in doing so, that’s why we are being vague.”
The allegations against Stronach cover incidents from the 1980s up to 2023. Bell added that police are encouraging anyone with information or who may have been a victim to come forward.
Stronach has retained prominent Canadian defense lawyer Brian Greenspan, who issued a statement denying the charges. “Mr. Stronach categorically denies the allegations of impropriety which have been brought against him,” Greenspan said. “He looks forward to the opportunity to fully respond to the charges and to maintain his legacy both as a philanthropist and as an icon of the Canadian business community.”
Stronach, originally from Austria, founded Magna International in 1957, growing it into one of the world’s largest suppliers of auto parts. He also established The Stronach Group, a company specializing in horse racing. Stronach’s brief foray into Austrian politics and his recognition as a member of the Order of Canada highlight his varied career.
A Magna spokesperson confirmed that Stronach has had no affiliation with the company since relinquishing control in 2010. “We have recently been made aware of the charges filed against Frank Stronach,” said Dave Niemiec in an email. “Magna has no knowledge of the investigation or the allegations that have been raised beyond what has been reported in the media.” Niemiec added that the company would not comment further on the ongoing legal matter.
In a separate legal issue, Stronach sued his daughter, two grandchildren, and former business associate Alon Ossip in 2018 for over $500 million, alleging mismanagement of family assets. His daughter, Belinda Stronach, a former Canadian Member of Parliament, countersued, claiming her father had lost vast sums on personal projects. The case was eventually settled.
The high-profile nature of Stronach’s case and his significant influence in business and philanthropy add a layer of complexity to the proceedings as the legal process unfolds.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
