Frank Stronach’s sex assault case put over, set to move to Toronto
A Crown attorney told a Brampton, Ont., court on Monday that prosecutors have agreed to transfer the case to Toronto, where most of the offences are alleged to have occurred.
Billionaire businessman Frank Stronach, who is facing multiple sexual assault charges, has had his case delayed until next month as legal teams work to move it to a Toronto court.
A Crown attorney informed a Brampton, Ont., court on Monday that prosecutors have agreed to transfer the case to Toronto, where the majority of the alleged offences took place.
Stronach has been charged by Peel Regional Police with 18 counts, including sexual assault and indecent assault, after 13 individuals came forward with allegations spanning from 1977 to as recently as February of this year.
The 92-year-old businessman, who did not attend court on Monday, has denied all accusations and vowed to protect his reputation.
Stronach was initially arrested by Peel police in early June, with the most recent charges being laid late last month.
His next court appearance in Brampton is scheduled for Nov. 4, where the transfer of the case to Toronto is expected to be confirmed.
Stronach, one of Canada’s wealthiest individuals, founded auto parts giant Magna in his garage in 1957. He also established The Stronach Group, which focuses on horse racing, and in 2018, founded Stronach International, a company specializing in organic foods and “micro-electric mobility.”
In 2011, Stronach stepped down as chairman of Magna and, in 2012, created his own political party in Austria, his country of birth.
Magna International Inc. announced last week that it had begun a targeted review of its historical records in light of the criminal charges against Stronach.
According to Magna spokeswoman Tracy Fuerst, if any relevant information is found, the company — which is not facing any criminal or civil charges — will follow a strict protocol to respect the legal process and cooperate with authorities.
The internal review has, so far, uncovered one previously reported settlement related to a historical harassment claim involving Stronach and Magna Entertainment Corp.
