Fashion mogul Peter Nygard arrested on historical sex abuse charges
The 79-year-old was arrested on Monday on an indictment supported by 57 women.
Wednesday 16 December 2020 04:22, UK
Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing young women and girls over a period of 25 years.
Mr Nygard, 79, was arrested on Monday over claims he used his brand to lure alleged victims to his Bahamas estate with promises of jobs in modelling and fashion.
The indictment claims he capitalised on the Nygard Group's influence, using its employees, funds, and resources to recruit girls under the age of 18.
Fifty-seven women, including 18 Canadians, are listed on the court documents.
He is due to answer to the charges in court in Winnipeg after US officials ordered their Canadian counterparts to detain him.
The FBI raided Mr Nygard's New York offices earlier this year after 10 women sued him over similar claims.
Several women said they were just 14 or 15 when Mr Nyguard plied them with drugs and alcohol in order to rape them.
The 79-year-old denies all the allegations against him.
He claims the allegations are being fuelled by a conspiracy caused by a feud with his billionaire neighbour in the Bahamas.
Other Nygard Group employees are also accused of using force, fraud and coercion to enlist the women and girls before they were assaulted by him and others.
Nygard International began in Winnipeg, Canada as a sportswear manufacturer.
It now has more than 170 stores across North America.
Earlier this year, a spokesman for the company said Mr Nygard was stepping down as chairman of all companies and would divest his ownership interest.