Frank Stronach’s sexual harassment case has been dropped and will be moved to Toronto

The case of billionaire businessman Frank Stronach, who is accused of multiple sexual assaults, has been postponed until next month while lawyers work to take the matter to a Toronto court.

A Crown lawyer told a court in Brampton, Ont., on Monday that prosecutors had agreed to move the case to Toronto, where most of the crimes were allegedly committed.

Peel Regional Police have charged Stronach with a total of 18 counts – including sexual assault and indecent assault – after 13 complainants made allegations dating back to 1977 to February this year.

The 92-year-old tycoon, who did not appear in court on Monday, has denied all allegations against him and vowed to defend his reputation.

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Magna founder Frank Stronach files a lawsuit against his daughter and grandson

Stronach was first arrested by Peel Police in early June and the most recent charges against him were filed late last month.

His next scheduled court date in Brampton is set for Nov. 4 and is expected to confirm the case’s transfer to the Toronto court system.

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Stronach became one of Canada’s richest people by founding auto parts giant Magna in his garage in 1957. He also founded The Stronach Group, a company specializing in horse racing, and in 2018 founded Stronach International, a company focused on organic food and “micro-electric mobility.”

Stronach stepped down as Magna’s chief executive in 2011 and founded his own political party in his native Austria the following year.

Magna International Inc. said last week that it had launched a targeted review of its historical records in response to the criminal charges against Stronach.

Magna spokeswoman Tracy Fuerst said that if relevant information is found, the company – which has no criminal or civil charges – will follow a strict protocol to respect everyone’s legal rights and cooperate with authorities.

The internal document review has so far found a settlement to a previously reported historical harassment allegation against Stronach and Magna Entertainment Corp. revealed.

&Copy 2024 The Canadian Press