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

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.