Frank Stronach Faces New Sexual Assault Charges in Canada

Frank Stronach, the 92-year-old Canadian businessman and founder of Magna International Inc., is now facing a total of 18 charges related to sexual assault, according to new court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto. These charges follow additional allegations made against him, bringing the number of complainants to 13.

The charges, which have not yet been tested in court, include allegations of sexual assault, attempted rape, and indecent assault. They stem from incidents alleged to have occurred between the 1980s and February of the current year. The most recent charges involve three new complainants, adding to the 10 previously involved.

Mr. Stronach was initially charged earlier this year and was released on bail under strict conditions, including surrendering his passport, notifying police of any address changes, and avoiding contact with the complainants. He has denied all allegations, with his former lawyer, Brian Greenspan, stating that Mr. Stronach “categorically denies” the claims against him and intends to “vigorously” defend his reputation in court.

The alleged incidents reportedly took place in Toronto and the hamlet of Gormley in Ontario. Legal representatives for Mr. Stronach, including his last lawyer, Leora Shemesh, have not provided immediate responses to requests for comments on the latest charges.

Despite relinquishing control over Magna International in 2010, Mr. Stronach remains a prominent figure in the business world, having also founded The Stronach Group and Stronach International, with interests in horse racing and organic food respectively. Moreover, he attempted a political venture in Austria by founding a political party in 2012.

In response to the allegations against its founder, Magna International has undertaken an internal review of its historical records. As stated by company spokesperson Tracy Fuerst, the automotive giant is committed to adhering to strict protocols and cooperating fully with authorities if any relevant information is discovered. The review has thus far uncovered a previously reported settlement involving an old harassment accusation against Mr. Stronach and Magna Entertainment Corp.