Aiden Pleterski, known as the “Crypto King,” is set to face trial in Toronto on charges of fraud exceeding $5,000 and money laundering. The 27-year-old pleaded not guilty and is representing himself in the trial, which commenced with jury selection at the Ontario Superior Court.
A total of 14 individuals, consisting of seven men and seven women, were selected as potential jurors by Justice Shaun Nakatsuru, anticipating a month-long trial with deliberation by 12 jurors at its conclusion. Pleterski’s arrest in May 2024 followed an extensive investigation coordinated by Durham Regional Police and the Ontario Securities Commission under the name Project Swan. Allegations suggest Pleterski orchestrated a fraudulent scheme, amassing millions of dollars from investors between July 2020 and July 2022.
CBC Toronto has closely covered Pleterski’s story since 2022 when he faced financial distress after being pushed into bankruptcy by investors seeking to recover substantial sums they had entrusted to him for investments in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange markets. Crown prosecutors intend to present over a dozen witnesses throughout the trial proceedings.