Crime

Ten Women Accuse Auto Parts Billionaire of Sexual Assault

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 29th, 2024.

Ten Women Accuse Auto Parts Billionaire of Sexual Assault

Ten women have accused Frank Stronach, a Canadian billionaire and auto parts magnate, of sexual assault, according to court documents released on Friday.

The 91-year-old has faced two recent arrests, resulting in 13 criminal charges including attempted rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, and forcible confinement. Despite these charges, Stronach was released both times under conditions, with his initial court appearance set for July 8.

The court documents detail accusations of attempted rape and assault dating back to June 1977 in Toronto. Additional allegations of rape and sexual assault span the years 1980, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1990, and 1999 in Toronto, as well as from 1999 to 2003 in Aurora, Ontario, where his former company, Magna International, is headquartered. The most recent incidents are alleged to have occurred in April 2023 in Aurora and February this year in Gormley.

Initially, three women came forward with accusations, followed by seven more after police announced the first set of charges in early June.

Stronach, through his lawyer Brian Greenspan, has denied the allegations and stated he will “vigorously defend” himself in court.

An immigrant from Austria, Stronach transformed a small Canadian tool and die company into Magna International, one of the world’s largest automotive parts manufacturers. At 80, he stepped down from the company and briefly pursued a political career in Austria before returning to Canada. (AFP)