Canada's 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski to Represent Himself at Fraud Trial
Aiden Pleterski, known as Canada’s “Crypto King,” will represent himself at a Toronto jury trial on fraud and money laundering charges after a judge refused to delay the case. Ontario Superior Court Justice Shaun Nakatsuru denied the adjournment and said he would take an active role to help ensure Pleterski receives a fair trial, including raising objections so only admissible evidence reaches the jury. Pleterski had a lawyer only for the adjournment request. Counsel said he was trying to raise money for trial representation, but the Crown argued his efforts were not genuine. No reasons were given for the denial. Pleterski was charged in May 2024 after a major investigation by Durham police and the Ontario Securities Commission. He denies the allegations. The case follows his 2022 bankruptcy, triggered by investors seeking to recover about $40 million he had taken for crypto and forex trading. A trustee found he invested less than 2% of the funds and spent nearly $16 million on himself, which he disputes.
