Aiden Pleterski, the self-described “Crypto King” accused of defrauding investors of more than $36 million, has been found guilty of fraud over $5,000 by a jury in Toronto.
Pleterski, 27, appeared in Ontario Superior Court on Oct. 29, where he represented himself during the trial and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Crown had also charged Pleterski with money laundering, but prosecutors dropped that charge after presenting their case.
The jury heard evidence that investors gave Pleterski more than $36.3 million between 2020 and 2022, believing he would use the money to trade in foreign exchange and cryptocurrency. Crown prosecutors argued that he instead used the funds to pay for luxury items and make payments to other investors….