Aiden Pleterski, who refers to himself as the ‘Crypto King’, had his trial on charges of fraud and money laundering postponed to next week because of a medical problem.
The Crown was scheduled to present its final witness on Tuesday, but now the investor in question is set to testify when the trial resumes in Toronto on Monday.
Justice Shaun Nakatsuru of the Ontario Superior Court informed the jury that the delay was due to a health issue affecting one of the trial participants, described as “not super serious.”
Justice Shaun Nakatsuru of the Ontario Superior Court overseeing the trial of ‘Crypto King’ Aiden Pleterski. (Pam Davies/CBC)
Nakatsuru stated, “Certain medical treatments are required and they’re required sooner rather than later.” He also expressed appreciation to the jury for their patience and attentiveness to the evidence presented.
Pleterski, who is representing himself in court, has pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud over $5,000 and money laundering. Up to this point, he has only cross-examined the first of 13 witnesses who testified for the prosecution.
Most of these witnesses were investors who collectively gave Pleterski over $6 million. They recounted providing funds to Pleterski for trading in foreign exchange and cryptocurrency, with promised weekly returns ranging from two to 10 percent. Despite updates from Pleterski on their investments, many investors reported not receiving any returns.
A forensic accountant revealed that Aiden Pleterski did not invest investors’ funds as promised.
Since the commencement of Pleterski’s trial two weeks ago, the prosecution has alleged that he falsely guaranteed to invest the funds