Close X
Saturday, November 30, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canadian fashion mogul seeks bail on U.S. charges

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Jan, 2021 06:04 PM
  • Canadian fashion mogul seeks bail on U.S. charges

Lawyers for the Attorney General of Canada are questioning one of fashion mogul Peter Nygard's former business executives who is offering him a place to live if he is granted bail.

A two-day bail hearing is underway in Winnipeg for Nygard, who was arrested in December under the Extradition Act and faces nine counts in the southern District of New York, including sex trafficking and racketeering.

Lawyers are questioning Greg Fenske, a former Nygard executive, about how money moved to him to purchase a house that he has offered for Nygard to stay at.

Lawyers have told court that Fenske continues to be a point person for the 79-year-old Nygard and his company.

Nygard’s lawyer, Jay Prober, has said his client denies the charges against him.

Prober told court his client is an old man and should be released on bail because keeping him in jail where there are COVID-19 cases could be a “death sentence.”

Lawyers for the Attorney General of Canada say Nygard has a history of not showing up to court and has the means to flee.

The hearing is to hear from Fenske and another associate previously employed by Nygard. Both have offered to act as sureties if Nygard is released.

Court is also expected to find out more about affidavits filed in court that detail Nygard’s unconventional health routines, which include having a diet free of sugar, carbs and preservatives.

Authorities in the United States accuse Nygard of using his influence in the fashion industry to lure women and girls with the promise of modelling and other financial opportunities.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that for 25 years Nygard targeted women and underage girls from disadvantaged economic backgrounds and forcibly sexually assaulted them.

He is also the subject of a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. involving 57 women with similar allegations.

Nygard stepped down as chairman of his company after the FBI and police raided his offices in New York City last February.

Two of Nygard’s sons have filed a separate lawsuit against him in which they claim they were statutorily raped at his direction when they were teens.

Nygard, through his lawyer, has also denied the allegations in the lawsuits.

MORE National ARTICLES

Champagne keen to work with Biden administration

Champagne keen to work with Biden administration
Champagne, who did an unusual amount of jet-setting during the pandemic this past year, says he wants to kick off 2021 with a post-inauguration visit to Washington to connect with Antony Blinken, Biden's nominee for secretary of state.

Champagne keen to work with Biden administration

Natural gas rates are going up next year meaning some British Columbians will pay more

Natural gas rates are going up next year meaning some British Columbians will pay more
“There are a number of items that make up an energy bill, including the costs to store, transport and deliver energy, which have all increased,” explained Diane Roy, vice-president of regulatory affairs with FortisBC”. 

Natural gas rates are going up next year meaning some British Columbians will pay more

Woman struck and killed by runaway cargo vehicle in Surrey identified as Paramjit Masutta

Woman struck and killed by runaway cargo vehicle in Surrey identified as Paramjit Masutta
She has been identified as 48 year old Paramjit Masutta, a mother of two girls. She saved their lives by pushing them to the side to safety but sacrificed her own. Her children are heartbroken and still can't make sense of what has happened to their mother. 

Woman struck and killed by runaway cargo vehicle in Surrey identified as Paramjit Masutta

NDP MP decries 'race-baiting' by Erin O'Toole

NDP MP decries 'race-baiting' by Erin O'Toole
Angus told reporters Wednesday it is "false" and "very concerning" to suggest that education was the prime goal of the school system, of which Ryerson University namesake Egerton Ryerson was a key architect.

NDP MP decries 'race-baiting' by Erin O'Toole

Canada inks deal with U.S. for near-moon mission

Canada inks deal with U.S. for near-moon mission
The government last week committed $22.8 million toward development of the new Canadarm3 by MDA Canada.

Canada inks deal with U.S. for near-moon mission

Vaccine rollout continues across Canada

Vaccine rollout continues across Canada
Front-line health-care workers and staff and residents of long-term care homes are up first for vaccinations across much of the country.

Vaccine rollout continues across Canada