Stewart Wilson recounted the surreal experience of visiting Aiden Pleterski’s luxurious lakefront mansion, dubbing it reminiscent of “TV stuff,” where Pleterski boasted of managing a $30-$50 million investment fund. Wilson described the mansion, located in Burlington and valued at around $8 million, expressing disbelief at Pleterski’s extravagant purchase.
Wilson, who subsequently invested $890,000 with Pleterski, testified against the 27-year-old in a fraud and money laundering trial in Toronto. Pleterski, maintaining his innocence, allegedly misappropriated investors’ funds for personal indulgences like exotic cars, private jet trips, and extravagant shopping sprees.
Approximately eighteen months before Wilson’s mansion visit, Pleterski initially rented an Audi R8 from Wilson’s luxury car rental business, GTA Exotics. Pleterski then upgraded to leasing high-end sports cars like Lamborghinis and a McLaren. Wilson noticed Pleterski’s affluent lifestyle through social media and personal interactions, prompting him to invest in Pleterski’s fund.
Following a meeting at Pleterski’s mansion, Wilson decided to invest $300,000 and subsequently added $590,000 through multiple contracts. Pleterski claimed to be trading in gold and foreign exchange, avoiding cryptocurrency due to Wilson’s reluctance. Text messages and spreadsheets presented in court revealed significant returns on investments, further enticing Wilson to invest more.
Despite Wilson’s attempts to withdraw funds in March, Pleterski delayed returning the money, leaving Wilson empty-handed. Pleterski, defending himself in court, opted not to question Wilson and another investor, expressing the need for legal representation.