The charter spanned three countries and almost three decades, according to U.

S authorities.

The 79 year old was arrested by Canadian police on Monday and then extradited to the U.

S to face trial.

Federal prosecutors say Nygard, who owns a namesake clothing company and is one of Canada's wealthiest people, used his influence to recruit and maintain victims for sex in the U.

S, Canada and the Bahamas since 1995.

Authorities said the victims were assaulted by Nygaard and his associates and that some of the women were drugged.

He often targeted vulnerable women from disadvantaged backgrounds and allegedly took them to company funded so called pamper parties with food and spa services as well.

A swingers clubs then intimidated them to have sex with him or other men.

Nygaard used threats of arrest, reputational harm and lawsuits to silence potential accusers, the indictment said.

Meanwhile, his lawyers say he denies the allegations.

He also faces class action civil litigation in Manhattan by 57 unnamed women, accusing him of sexual misconduct.