'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski will represent himself at his fraud trial next week

Self-described 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski's criminal fraud and money laundering trial will begin next week, after the trial judge denied a request to delay it on Monday.

Pleterski, 27, filed an application for adjournment earlier this month so he could have more time to hire a lawyer to represent him at trial.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Shaun Nakatsuru denied the request for adjournment, which means Pleterski will represent himself at his jury trial in Toronto.

"I want to assure you that even though this isn't your first choice, obviously — you will receive a fair trial," Nakatsuru said to Pleterski in court.

"I want you to be very free in asking questions … don't hesitate, just get up on your feet and ask me."

The judge also explained the "enhanced role" he will play in the trial given that Pleterski is self-represented. Nakatsuru said he will make objections on Pleterski's behalf, to ensure only admissible evidence gets in front of the jury.

Pleterski was charged with fraud over $5,000 and laundering the proceeds of crime in May 2024 by Durham Regional Police in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar investment fraud scheme.

CBC Toronto has reported extensively on Pleterski since the summer of 2022, when he was forced into bankruptcy by some of his investors trying to recover $40 million they gave him to invest in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange.