Billionaire Frank Stronach, known for his business ventures in Canada, is facing additional sexual assault charges involving three more complainants, according to court documents. This development increases the total number of accusers in his case to 13. The 92-year-old Stronach was initially charged in early June with five sex-related offences related to three complainants. Following this, more charges were filed by the Peel Regional Police as additional complainants came forward. The alleged offences are reported to have taken place from 1977 to as recently as February of this year.
New court documents filed in Brampton, Ontario, and obtained on Thursday, reveal that Stronach is now accused of five more charges, including sexual assault and indecent assault, bringing the total charges in the case to 18. The alleged crimes are said to have occurred in Toronto and Gormley, Ontario. Stronach is set to appear in court on Oct. 7 and has consistently denied all allegations, suggesting his accusers are motivated by money.
His former lawyer, Brian Greenspan, has stated that Stronach will vigorously defend his reputation in court. Stronach’s current lawyer, Leora Shemesh, has not responded immediately to requests for comment on the new charges. Stronach, who founded auto parts giant Magna in 1957 and later ventured into horse racing and organic foods, resigned as Magna’s chairman in 2011 and founded a political party in Austria in 2012.
In response to the charges against Stronach, Magna International Inc. has initiated a review of its historical records. The company’s spokeswoman, Tracy Fuerst, mentioned that if any relevant information is discovered, they would cooperate with authorities while respecting legal rights. The review has uncovered one settlement related to a historical harassment allegation against Stronach and Magna Entertainment Corp.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Stronach’s case continues to draw attention and scrutiny both in Canada and internationally. The allegations against the prominent billionaire have reverberated through his business ventures and personal life, marking a significant chapter in his legacy.