Austrian-Canadian auto parts billionaire Frank Stronach, 91, was arrested on Friday on multiple sexual assault charges spanning several decades, according to Peel Regional Police. Stronach faces five charges, including rape, indecent assault on a female, sexual assault, and forcible confinement. He was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton, Ontario, at a later date, as stated by the police.
Peel Regional Police Constable Tyler Bell confirmed that there are multiple accusers but declined to specify the exact number. “This is a high-profile case. Our special victims unit is dedicated to protecting the victims, which is why we are being vague,” Bell said. “There is more than one victim, but we won’t confirm that number yet.”
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Stronach’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The alleged assaults date from the 1980s to as recently as 2023. Police are urging anyone with information or who may have been a victim to come forward.
Frank Stronach, originally from Austria, became one of Canada’s wealthiest individuals by founding Magna International in his garage in 1957, which grew into one of the world’s largest auto parts suppliers. He also established The Stronach Group, specializing in horse racing, and briefly ventured into Austrian politics. Stronach has been honored with the Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest accolades.
A spokesperson for Magna, where Stronach has had no affiliation since 2010, acknowledged the charges. “We have recently been made aware of the charges filed against Frank Stronach,” Dave Niemiec said in an email on Friday evening. “Magna has no knowledge of the investigation or the allegations beyond what has been reported in the media.” Niemiec stated that the company would not comment further on the ongoing legal matter.
In 2018, Stronach sued his daughter, two grandchildren, and former business associate Alon Ossip for over $500 million, alleging mismanagement and conspiracy to take control of family assets. His daughter, Belinda Stronach, a former Canadian Member of Parliament, countersued, claiming her father lost significant sums on personal projects. The case was later settled.
