Fashion designer Peter Nygard indicted on sex-trafficking charges

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan indicted Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard on nine counts, including charges of sex-trafficking, involving dozens of women, some of whom were underage.

Nygard, 79, was arrested on Monday in Winnipeg, The New York Times reported, after the U.S. requested his arrest under an extradition treaty with Canada.

Canadian fashion executive Peter J. Nygard charged with sex trafficking and racketeering offenses https://t.co/V4Vb1nY3EA

— US Attorney SDNY (@SDNYnews) December 15, 2020

According to prosecutors, Nygard is accused of “a decades-long pattern of criminal conduct” in the United States, Canada and the Bahamas. Over a 25-year period, prosecutors allege Nygard used his influence to “recruit and maintain adult and minor-aged female victims” for sexual purposes and to serve him and his associates.

“NYGARD used the Nygard Group’s influence, as well as its employees, funds and other resources, to recruit and maintain adult and minor-aged female victims for NYGARD’s sexual gratification and the sexual gratification of his friends and business associates,” read the release from the U.S. attorney’s office.

“NYGARD frequently targeted women and minor-aged girls who came from disadvantaged economic backgrounds and/or who had a history of abuse. 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 office alleges.

In February, the FBI and New York police raided Nygard’s New York offices after sex-trafficking allegations were filed in a lawsuit against him. Two women accused Nygard of sexually assaulting them and trafficking them through his compound in the Bahamas after luring them there for parties.

“Nygard welcomes the federal investigation and expects his name to be cleared,” Ken Fryman, a spokesman for Nygard, said at the time. “He has not been charged, is not in custody and is cooperating with the investigation.”

After this raid, Nygard stepped down from Nygard International, his eponymous company he founded in Winnipeg 50 years ago.

When the Times report was published, Nygard was in custody of Winnipeg authorities and could not be reached for comment.