'Crypto King' Kidnapper Pleads Guilty as Co-Defendants' Trial Delayed
Deren Akyeam-Pong has pleaded guilty to kidnapping, assault, and firearms charges for his role in the December 2022 abduction of Ontario "Crypto King" Aiden Pleterski. Pleterski, who spent about $16 million of investor funds on luxury goods and often publicized his wealth, was kidnapped, tortured, and held for three days while being forced to solicit ransom. His kidnapping highlights the increasing risk of physical attacks on wealthy crypto holders, especially those who overshare their assets online. Two co-defendants, Akil Heywood and Alfredo Paladino, still face related charges, which have not yet been tested in court. Pleterski, who was forced into bankruptcy in August 2022 with over $40 million owed to investors, also faces fraud and money laundering charges. Similar crypto-related kidnappings are on the rise in Canada, including the November 2024 abduction of WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka and a 2022 case that resulted in a 13-year prison sentence for perpetrator Keyron Moore. Experts warn that public displays of crypto wealth make holders targets, with attacks already surpassing previous records worldwide.
