An individual, identified as Mitchell Learning, disclosed during Aiden Pleterski’s trial for fraud and money laundering in Toronto that he visited the “Crypto King’s” lakeside residence in June 2022 to verify the substantial amount supposedly in Pleterski’s investment account, following the receipt of a screenshot and video displaying a balance of $311 million.
Learning, who claimed to have invested $400,000, recounted his actions at Pleterski’s Burlington, Ont., home, where he discovered an email confirming Pleterski’s deletion of the account supposedly containing the $311 million. Subsequently, Learning summoned mutual acquaintances to the mansion, and one individual recorded a video showcasing Pleterski’s emails, including statements from another trading platform, Forex.com.
In a recorded conversation, Pleterski purportedly narrated his trading journey to Learning and his girlfriend, revealing a downturn in his financial situation in the summer of 2021, resulting in the loss of substantial sums and the initiation of a Ponzi scheme.
Following these revelations, Learning expressed his emotional turmoil and confusion, stating his interactions with Pleterski left him distressed. The court was also expected to review a recorded phone call between Learning and Pleterski, shedding further light on the circumstances.
The prosecution alleges that Pleterski misappropriated funds from investors for personal use, such as luxury cars, private jet flights, extravagant shopping sprees, and high credit card expenses, rather than utilizing the money for trading as promised.
Earlier interactions between Learning and Pleterski were detailed, dating back to their initial acquaintance in 2014 through baseball activities. Learning initially entrusted Pleterski with $2,500 for trading in September 2020, which eventually escalated to $400,000. However, Learning disclosed that subsequent investments led to losses, impacting not only himself but also friends and family who had invested capital in Pleterski’s schemes.
Moreover, Learning divulged his involvement in Pleterski’s operations, including the handling of financial transactions and accompanying Pleterski on various trips, featuring private jet excursions to different destinations. Pleterski’s arrest in May 2024, subsequent to investigations by law enforcement agencies, exposed his alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Throughout the trial, multiple investors have testified against Pleterski, collectively asserting investments exceeding $2 million, with minimal or no returns received.