Canada 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski found guilty of fraud

A Toronto jury found Aiden Pleterski, a self-described “Crypto King,” guilty of fraud after hearing evidence that he stole millions from investors and spent the money on private jets and other luxuries. The verdict came quickly on Thursday, with the 27-year-old convicted on a single count of fraud involving more than C$5,000 (about $3,600). Prosecutors called more than a dozen witnesses, including investors and financial experts, and Pleterski pleaded not guilty while representing himself. He presented no evidence and did not testify. Pleterski was charged in May 2024 with fraud and money laundering, though the laundering count was later dropped. Authorities say he took over C$36 million, including about half spent on vehicles, jets, and a lakefront mansion in Burlington.