BRAMPTON, Ontario — Austrian-Canadian billionaire Frank Stronach is facing five new sexual assault charges involving three additional complainants, according to court documents filed last week.
These latest charges bring the total number of accusers in the case to 13, and the total number of charges against the 92-year-old to 18.
Stronach was initially charged in early June with five sex-related offences involving three complainants.
As more individuals came forward, Peel Regional Police filed additional charges later that month. The alleged offences date back to 1977 and as recently as February of this year.
Court documents, filed in a Brampton courthouse and obtained Thursday, reveal that Stronach now faces charges including sexual assault and indecent assault.
The crimes are alleged to have taken place in Toronto and Gormley, Ontario, a hamlet north of the city.
Stronach, who is scheduled to appear in court on October 7, has consistently denied all allegations.
In a previous interview with CBC, Stronach claimed that the accusations were financially motivated. His former lawyer, Brian Greenspan, had stated that Stronach would “vigorously” defend his reputation in court.
Stronach’s Growing Legal Battle
The new charges further complicate Stronach’s legal battle. His current lawyer, Leora Shemesh, has not yet commented on the latest developments.
Stronach’s defense team has previously emphasized his intention to challenge the allegations in court.
The 92-year-old billionaire is known for his role in creating Magna International Inc., an auto parts empire that started in his garage in 1957.
Stronach later founded The Stronach Group, a company specializing in horse racing, and launched Stronach International in 2018, focusing on organic foods and electric mobility.
Corporate Response
Magna International Inc., where Stronach resigned as chairman in 2011, has launched an internal review of its historical records in response to the charges.
The company, which is not facing any criminal or civil allegations, is reviewing records to determine if there is any relevant information linked to Stronach.
Magna spokeswoman Tracy Fuerst confirmed the review and stated that if any pertinent information is uncovered, the company will follow a strict protocol, respecting the legal rights of all parties and cooperating with authorities.
The review has already revealed one historical harassment settlement involving Stronach and Magna Entertainment Corp., which had been previously reported.
Stronach’s Political and Business Legacy
Beyond his business ventures, Stronach also made a foray into politics.
After stepping down from Magna, he founded his own political party in Austria in 2012, although it failed to gain significant traction.
Stronach remains a high-profile figure in Canadian business, and these allegations are likely to have widespread ramifications, not only for his personal legacy but also for the companies he founded and led.
The case against Stronach continues to develop, and his October 7 court appearance is expected to draw significant attention as more details emerge.
