Canadian Crypto King to Represent Himself at $40M Fraud Trial

Aiden Pleterski, a self-proclaimed Canadian 'Crypto King,' will represent himself in his upcoming four-week fraud trial, set to begin on October 5. The case involves allegations of $40 million in investor losses.

Pleterski's bankruptcy proceedings have recovered only about $3 million for around 160 investors who gave him money for cryptocurrency and foreign-exchange trading. Pleterski disputes the findings of a bankruptcy trustee, who alleged that he invested less than 2% of the received funds while spending nearly $16 million personally.

The judge has agreed to take an 'enhanced role' in assisting Pleterski with his defense, including raising objections on his behalf when necessary. This unusual twist adds complexity to the case, which will be decided by a jury. The trial dates had already been fixed in June 2025.