Auto magnate and columnist Frank Stronach charged with sexual assault

91-year-old Canadian business magnate Frank Stronach has been charged with several offences related to sexual assault following an investigation by the Peel Region Special Victims Unit.

The alleged incidents span the 1980s through 2023, according to a law enforcement press release.

Stronach, the founder and former CEO of auto parts maker Magna International, was arrested on June 7, 2024 and charged with five felony counts.

The charges include one count of rape, one count of indecent touching of a woman, one count of false imprisonment and two counts of sexual assault.

Peel Regional Police have released a statement urging anyone with information to come forward as they believe there may be more victims.

In a statement seen by several media outlets, Stronach’s attorney Brian Greenspan said Stronach “categorically denies the allegations of inappropriate conduct made against him.”

“He looks forward to the opportunity to fully address the allegations and to uphold his legacy as both a philanthropist and an icon of Canadian business,” Greenspan said.

Stronach was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court Justice in Brampton on Saturday.

In response to the allegations, Magna International stated that it was unaware of the investigation or the allegations against Stronach.

The company emphasized that Stronach was no longer involved in the company’s day-to-day operations.

The case attracted a great deal of attention because of Stronach’s high profile in the business world and his previous political involvement. His daughter Belinda was a member of the Canadian House of Commons.

Stronach also published a regular column in the National Post, which the media has since suspended pending an investigation.

The last article published by Stronach in the newspaper was dated June 4.