A Toronto jury has found self-described “Crypto King” Aiden Pleterski guilty of fraud over the misuse of millions of dollars of investors’ funds.
The 27-year-old was convicted on Thursday of one count of fraud over C$5,000 after a jury deliberated for a short period following a three-week trial at the Ontario Superior Court.
Prosecutors alleged that Pleterski took more than C$36 million from investors, promising high returns through cryptocurrency and trading activities, but spent large portions of the money on a lavish lifestyle that included private jets, luxury vehicles and expensive accommodations.
Crown prosecutors called more than a dozen witnesses, including investors and financial experts, during the trial. They described the scheme as one in which investor funds were not used as promised.
Pleterski, who represented himself, pleaded not guilty and did not testify or present evidence in his defence.
He was originally charged in 2024 following a joint investigation by Durham Regional Police and the Ontario Securities Commission. A money laundering charge was dropped during the trial.
Sentencing is expected at a later date.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
