Canadian auto parts billionaire Frank Stronach, 91, arrested on sexual assault charges

TORONTO– Austrian-Canadian auto parts billionaire Frank Stronach was arrested Friday on charges of sexual assault spanning decades, police said Friday.

Stronach, 91, was charged with five offences, including rape, indecent assault on a female, sexual assault and forcible confinement, Peel Regional Police said. He was released on conditions and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton, Ont., at a later date, according to the police statement.

Peel Regional Police Constable Tyler Bell said there is more than one accuser, but declined to say how many.

“Obviously, this is a high-profile case. “Our special victims unit is obligated to protect victims and in doing so, that is why we are being lazy,” Bell said. “There is more than one victim, but we will not confirm that number yet.”

A lawyer for Stronach did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Police allege the sexual assaults occurred from the 1980s to 2023. Bell said they are asking people to come forward if they have information or have been victims.

The billionaire founder of Magna Auto Parts has also made significant investments in horse racing. He has been named a member of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest honours.

A Magna spokesperson said Stronach has had no affiliation with the company since relinquishing control in 2010.

“We recently learned of the charges filed against Frank Stronach,” Dave Niemiec said in an email Friday night. “Magna is not aware of the investigation or the allegations that have been raised beyond what was reported in the media.”

He said the company would have no further comment on the ongoing legal matter.