Billionaire Faces Long-Standing Allegations
Austro-Canadian billionaire Frank Stronach, 93, faces a sexual assault trial in Toronto this week. A judge will decide the case without a jury. Stronach, the founder of global automotive parts company Magna International, stands accused of multiple historical assaults spanning nearly five decades.
Prosecutors split the charges into two trials. The Toronto trial involves 12 counts, while a second trial in York Region is scheduled for spring. Stronach has pleaded not guilty to all Toronto charges, and overall, he faces 18 offences involving 13 complainants.
Trial Delayed for Legal Preparation
The Toronto trial, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was delayed until Thursday after Stronach’s lawyer, Leora Shamesh, requested extra preparation time. Superior Court Justice Anne Malloy will hear evidence from the Crown and testimonies from the complainants.
This case is unusual because many alleged offences occurred from 1977 to 1990, and some are no longer in Canada’s Criminal Code. Consequently, Judge Malloy must determine guilt based on the laws at the time. Importantly, Canada has no statute of limitations for prosecuting sexual assault.
Stronach Denies Allegations
Stronach has rejected all accusations. In a 2024 CBC investigation, former employees claimed he had raped or sexually assaulted them. He told the broadcaster, “My friends know me, and a lot of people who worked for me know who I am. That’s totally against what I stand for.”
Meanwhile, the BBC has contacted Stronach’s lawyer for comment.
Background on the Billionaire
Born in Austria, Stronach founded Magna International in 1956, which became a major automotive parts supplier. He briefly entered Austrian politics, founding the right-wing populist party Team Stronach in 2012, which later dissolved.
