York police sought outside help in Stronach sex assault probe: source
CBC
Peel Regional Police began investigating Ontario business magnate Frank Stronach after York Regional Police approached their neighbouring agency for assistance, a source with knowledge of the case told CBC News.
CBC is not naming the source, as they were not authorized to speak publicly.
Investigators have declined to say when police first learned of sexual assault allegations surrounding the 91-year-old billionaire, and why Stronach's local police service north of Toronto sought help from another agency.
Court documents suggest the alleged assaults all occurred in either York Region or Toronto, between 1977 and this past February.
Peel police laid 13 criminal charges against Stronach in June, including rape and forcible confinement.
In all, 10 complainants accuse Stronach of sexual assault, according to court documents. While some of their names are listed in public records, a court-ordered publication ban covers the alleged victims' identities.
York Regional Police Const. Lisa Moskaluk directed a reporter's questions about the agency's involvement in the case to Peel police, "as they are the service that has taken carriage of the investigation."
Peel police declined to comment when asked when they were approached by York investigators, and why.
"Police chiefs have considerable flexibility and it is not unusual for them to call in another police service to take over an investigation," said Alok Mukherjee, a former chair of the Toronto Police Service Board, in an email.
Speaking generally, he said "the usual reason has to do with any potential or real conflict of interest or public concern with the local police conducting a particular investigation."
Reached by phone, Stronach denied the allegations against him.
"I haven't done anything wrong," he told CBC. "I haven't done anything inappropriate."
Listed in court documents as a resident of Aurora, Stronach built a business empire long associated with the affluent town in York Region.
Magna International, the auto parts manufacturer Stronach launched in 1957, is headquartered on an Aurora street that bears the company's name and is adjacent to Stronach Blvd.