Toronto's 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski goes to trial on fraud, money laundering charges
Self-represented defendant faces jury trial expected to last a month after alleged $5,000+ fraud scheme targeting cryptocurrency investors.
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Aiden Pleterski, the self-described "Crypto King," begins his criminal trial in Toronto Superior Court this morning on charges of fraud over $5,000 and money laundering. Pleterski, 27, pleaded not guilty to both counts. The trial is expected to last about a month.
Jury selection wrapped up Monday afternoon in Ontario Superior Court. Justice Shaun Nakatsuru is presiding. A jury of 14 people—7 men and 7 women—was selected; only 12 will deliberate when the trial concludes. Pleterski is representing himself at trial.
Durham Regional Police and the Ontario Securities Commission launched an investigation called Project Swan after arresting Pleterski in May 2024. Crown prosecutors are expected to call more than a dozen witnesses. The alleged scheme involved funds Pleterski received from investors between July 2020 and July 2022, when he was promising to invest money in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange.
Pleterski was forced into bankruptcy in summer 2022 after investors who had lost money sued to recover their funds. The source material does not specify the total amount allegedly defrauded or the number of victims.
The facts
What charges does Aiden Pleterski face?
Aiden Pleterski faces charges of fraud over $5,000 and money laundering in Toronto Superior Court.
How long is the trial expected to last?
The trial is expected to last about a month.
How many jurors were selected?
A jury of 14 people was selected—7 men and 7 women—though only 12 will deliberate when the trial concludes.
When did the alleged fraud scheme take place?
The alleged scheme involved funds Aiden Pleterski received from investors between July 2020 and July 2022, when he was promising to invest money in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange.
