Self-proclaimed “Crypto King” Aiden Pleterski is set to face trial for alleged criminal activities commencing Tuesday in Toronto. The 27-year-old Pleterski entered a plea of not guilty to charges of fraud exceeding $5,000 and money laundering leading up to the selection of the jury at the Ontario Superior Court on Monday. Pleterski has chosen to represent himself during the trial.
On Monday afternoon, a jury consisting of seven men and seven women was chosen by Justice Shaun Nakatsuru as the trial is anticipated to span about a month. However, only 12 jurors will play a role in the final deliberations of the case.
Pleterski was taken into custody in May 2024 following an extensive collaborative investigation by Durham Regional Police and the Ontario Securities Commission known as Project Swan. According to authorities, Pleterski was allegedly engaged in a fraudulent scheme amounting to millions of dollars, utilizing funds obtained from investors between July 2020 and July 2022.
CBC Toronto has closely followed Pleterski’s legal saga since the summer of 2022 when he faced bankruptcy after some investors sought to recover substantial sums they entrusted to him for investments in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange.
The Crown prosecutors are anticipated to present more than a dozen witnesses throughout the trial proceedings.
