Fashion Mogul Peter Nygard Arrested, Faces Multiple Sex-Trafficking Charges

The Canadian is accused of “a decades-long pattern of criminal conduct” involving dozens of women.

December 15, 2020

Peter Nygard at Norby Walters' 26th Annual Night Of 100 Stars Oscar Viewing at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, February 28, 2016. [Andalou Agency/Getty]

Peter Nygard at Norby Walters' 26th Annual Night Of 100 Stars Oscar Viewing at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, February 28, 2016. [Andalou Agency/Getty]

By: Aaron Rasmussen

Authorities arrested Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard in Winnipeg, Canada, on Monday, and he now faces multiple counts of sex-trafficking, racketeering and other charges.

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors in Manhattan alleged in an indictment that over the course of 25 years, Nygard used employees and his company as a means to “recruit and maintain adult and minor-aged female victims” for sexual gratification, The New York Times reported.

Prosecutors claimed Nygard, 79, frequently targeted females, including some with histories of abuse, who came from disadvantaged economic backgrounds.

“He controlled his victims through threats, false promises of modeling opportunities and other career advancement, financial support, and by other coercive means, including constant surveillance, restrictions of movement, and physical isolation,” the indictment states. “Nygard forcibly sexually assaulted some of his victims. Other victims were forcibly assaulted by Nygard’s associates or drugged to ensure their compliance with his sexual demands.”

According to The New York Times, the entrepreneur, who launched Nygard International over 50 years ago, stepped down from running his company in February after authorities conducted raids on his L.A. home and business in New York City. The raids stemmed from an investigation of over five months into allegations of sexual assault.

Next Up

5 Things To Know About R. Kelly’s Upcoming Trial

If convicted, the R&B singer could face the rest of his life behind bars.

Former Chiropractor Steven Clifford on the Run After Multiple Allegations of Sexual Assault

The FBI say former chiropractor Steven Clifford consumes alcohol everyday, may visit nightclubs and enjoys boating. It's possible he could have strong connections to or even be hiding out in Mexico. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please call or text the IN PURSUIT hotline. John Walsh guarantees you can remain anonymous: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).

True Crime News Roundup: Prince Andrew Stripped Of Military Titles After Judge Allows Sex Abuse Case To Proceed

Plus: A Chicago mother is arrested in connection to the murder of her 6-year-old son; the convicted killer Robert Durst dies at age 78; Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes’ sentencing date is set; and an LGBTQ+ rights movement hero is found dead in a Florida landfill.

True Crime News Roundup: Newlywed Couple Fatally Shot, Groom’s Missing Brother ‘Considered Endangered’

Plus: College cult-leader dad found guilty of sex trafficking; trial begins for romance novelist accused of murdering husband; prosecutors decline to press charges in Amir Locke shooting; rapper Tory Lanez accused of violating protective order.

How Anthony Broadwater Was Exonerated 40 Years After He Was Convicted Of Author Alice Sebold’s Rape

“I know that no apology can change what happened to you and never will,” she recently told him in a letter.

‘Making the Band’ Alum Arrested On Sex Trafficking Charge

Kevin Lamont Barnes Jr., also known as “Chopper”, awaits a preliminary hearing in mid-May.

True Crime News Roundup: Gabby Petito’s Body Found, Boyfriend Remains Missing

A 16-year-old boy pleads guilty to murdering NYC college student Tessa Majors; Britney Spears gets closer to ending her conservatorship; and the Elizabeth Holmes federal Theranos fraud trial continues.

Holy Heist: The Tangled Web Of A Priest, A Retired Cop, And An Armored Truck Robbery

A January 1993 heist started 10 years prior to the actual crime, according to the FBI agents who investigated the robbery of a Brink’s armored car depot.

Ghislaine Maxwell: From Socialite To Jeffrey Epstein’s Co-Conspirator

On June 28, 2022, Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking crimes.

Convicted Killer Robert Durst Faces Murder Trial In Connection To His Wife’s 1982 Disappearance

One-time Manhattan real estate heir Robert Durst was found guilty in California of the first-degree murder of his best friend and confidante, Susan Berman.