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One of self-proclaimed "Crypto King" Aiden Pleterski's investors, who's set to stand trial this fall for allegedly orchestrating his kidnapping, has been charged with a dozen more offences, including for allegedly meddling in a co-accused's case.
Akil Heywood, 42, invested hundreds of thousands of dollars with Pleterski and was charged last month with attempting to dissuade Deren Akyeam-Pong — who pleaded guilty in the kidnapping — from giving evidence in a judicial proceeding on Nov. 3, 2025, according to court records.
That is the same day an Ontario Superior Court judge lifted a temporary publication ban on the agreed statement of facts tied to Akyeam-Pong's guilty plea for Pleterski's 2022 kidnapping.
Akyeam-Pong pleaded guilty to nine charges in the case, including kidnapping, assault and various gun charges in October 2025. Through his lawyer, Akyeam-Pong declined to comment on the new charge against Heywood.
Some of Heywood's other recent charges concern him allegedly fleeing the scene of a street racing crash in Scarborough last month, which injured four people, including an infant. Toronto police say Heywood was in a green Lamborghini SUV racing a Mercedes when the Mercedes lost control and hit a truck. Heywood was charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm, failing to stop at the scene of a crash and stunt racing.
He was arrested for Pleterski's kidnapping in July 2023 and released on bail. None of the charges against Heywood have been tested in court. His trial for the kidnapping and attempted extortion of Pleterski is scheduled for November alongside two other accused.
Heywood's lawyer, Domenic Basile, did not respond to requests for comment. Heywood previously told CBC News he's innocent in connection to the kidnapping.
