Canadian ‘Crypto King’ to Represent Himself at Fraud Trial Next Week

Aiden Pleterski, a self described “crypto king” accused of running a Ponzi style scheme, will represent himself when his criminal trial begins Oct. 5, more than two years after charges were filed.

Aiden Pleterski Fraud Charges and Trial Details

Pleterski, a social media personality, allegedly defrauded followers out of about $30 million between 2021 and 2022 by claiming large weekly profits from savvy investments. Canadian authorities charged him with fraud and money laundering in May 2024. He will appear before Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice, with the trial expected to run about four weeks. The fraud charge alone carries a maximum sentence of up to 14 years in prison if he is convicted.

Why Pleterski Is Representing Himself

According to a Monday report, Pleterski was unable to get a delay to secure legal counsel and is expected to represent himself in court.

Crypto King Case Tied to 2022 Kidnapping

Pleterski was one of several high-profile crypto figures to face criminal charges over conduct during the 2022 market downturn, a period that also led to charges against executives at defunct platforms FTX and Celsius in the US. In December 2022, several men, some reportedly victims of his alleged scheme, kidnapped and held Pleterski for three days, threatening him and his family and forcing him to speak on video about his role in the fraud.