Fraud Charges Hit Canada’s ‘Crypto King’ Aiden Pleterski
Canadian authorities recently arrested Aiden Pleterski, famously known as the ‘Crypto King,’ and his associate Colin Murphy, on charges of fraud and money laundering. This arrest marked the climax of a 16-month investigation, codenamed Project Swan, conducted jointly by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS). The investigation unveiled a complex web of deceit, leaving investors defrauded of an estimated CAD 40 million (USD 30 million) in what appears to be a Ponzi investment scheme.
Pleterski’s meteoric rise to prominence in the crypto world was fueled by promises of lucrative returns on investments made through his company, AP Private Equity Limited. Investors were lured in with assurances of significant profits, coupled with guarantees against losses. However, the investigation revealed a starkly different reality. Pleterski allegedly invested a mere 2 percent of the funds received, while misappropriating the rest to finance a lavish lifestyle characterized by luxury cars, international travel, and extravagant accommodations.
The extent of Pleterski’s deception became evident as investigators delved into his financial dealings. Court documents uncovered a pattern of exorbitant spending, including the acquisition of multiple luxury vehicles such as Lamborghinis, McLarens, and BMWs. Additionally, Pleterski indulged in high-end rentals, leasing a prestigious lakefront mansion for a staggering $45,000 per month.
The unraveling of Pleterski’s empire was punctuated by a dramatic turn of events in December 2022 when he was allegedly kidnapped, beaten, and tortured by five victims of his scheme. Despite his release after three days of captivity, Pleterski’s ordeal continued as he was coerced into recording a 12-minute-long apology video, ostensibly directed at his investors. This harrowing experience underscored the lengths to which disgruntled victims were willing to go in seeking retribution.
The repercussions of Pleterski’s actions extended beyond his own predicament. Several investors found themselves embroiled in legal battles, desperately seeking restitution for their losses. The saga even ensnared Toronto-born NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who became entangled in the fallout after purchasing a property linked to Pleterski.
In the aftermath of Pleterski’s arrest, stringent bail conditions were imposed, including the surrender of his passport and restrictions on social media activity related to financial matters. Moreover, he was barred from engaging in cryptocurrency trading, signaling a decisive clampdown on his once-unchecked operations.
As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities urge affected individuals to come forward, emphasizing the importance of vigilance when considering investment opportunities. The case serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks inherent in unregulated financial ventures and underscoring the imperative of due diligence in safeguarding one’s assets.
