Crypto King faces fraud trial after admitting fund never existed
The short version
- Aiden Pleterski admitted in a June 2022 recording that his $300 million fund never existed.
- Pleterski addressed the jury for the first time during his fraud trial, stating he is innocent.
- The Crown described Pleterski as a thief who stole investor money and used it as he pleased.
- An emotionally charged meeting between Pleterski and angry investors was recorded and played in court.
- Pleterski told the jury he would have proven his innocence if he had a lawyer.
What we don’t know yet
- Why Pleterski chose to represent himself in the trial.
- Whether the judge's comment 'I am not fooled' refers to the defendant's conduct or the evidence.
- The final outcome of the trial and the potential sentence if convicted.
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Coverage compared
How coverage grew
First reported by CBC News ‘Crypto King’ trial hears recording of Aiden Pleterski admitting $300M fund ‘never existed’
Toronto Star ‘Crypto King’ trial hears tape of angry investor confrontation — ‘If he gets whacked, everybody’s a suspect’
All 7 articles
- CBC News, left-leaning‘Crypto King’ Aiden Pleterski found guilty of fraud at his jury trial in Toronto
- Toronto Star, left-leaningOntario ‘Crypto king’ is found guilty of fraud. Jury takes just an hour and a half to reach verdict
- Toronto Star, left-leaningWhat the jury didn’t hear at the ‘Crypto King’ trial: Why he didn’t have a lawyer — and why the judge said ‘I am not fooled’
- CBC News, left-leaning‘Crypto King’ Aiden Pleterski addresses jury at his fraud trial for first time, says he’s innocent
- Toronto Star, left-leaningOntario ‘Crypto King’ was a simple thief, Crown closes. I’d prove my innocence if I had a lawyer, Pleterski tells his jury
- Toronto Star, left-leaning‘Crypto King’ trial hears tape of angry investor confrontation — ‘If he gets whacked, everybody’s a suspect’
- CBC News, left-leaning‘Crypto King’ trial hears recording of Aiden Pleterski admitting $300M fund ‘never existed’