The trial of Aiden Pleterski, who refers to himself as the “Crypto King,” is set to commence in Toronto on Tuesday. Pleterski, aged 27, entered a plea of not guilty to charges of fraud exceeding $5,000 and money laundering before the start of jury selection at the Ontario Superior Court on Monday. He has opted to represent himself during the trial.
On Monday afternoon, a jury consisting of seven men and seven women was selected by Justice Shaun Nakatsuru, anticipating a month-long trial. However, only 12 jurors will participate in the deliberation process once the case concludes.
Pleterski was apprehended in May 2024 following an extensive investigation conducted jointly by Durham Regional Police and the Ontario Securities Commission under Project Swan. Authorities alleged that Pleterski orchestrated a fraudulent scheme worth millions of dollars, utilizing funds acquired from investors between July 2020 and July 2022.
Since the summer of 2022, CBC Toronto has extensively covered Pleterski’s case, especially after he was pushed into bankruptcy by investors seeking to recover substantial sums they entrusted to him for investment in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange.
The Crown prosecutors are expected to present over a dozen witnesses throughout the trial.
