Aiden Pleterski’s fraud trial has entered the jury phase in Toronto, placing the decision over the self-described “Crypto King” in the hands of an Ontario Superior Court jury.
Jurors began deliberating on Thursday, October 29, 2026, after closing submissions on Wednesday, October 28, and final instructions from Justice Shaun Nakatsuru on Thursday morning.
No verdict had been reported as of Thursday afternoon.
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Aiden Pleterski tells jurors he is innocent
Pleterski, 27, addressed the jury briefly before the case was handed over for deliberations.
Representing himself, he told jurors that he was innocent of the charges and said that was why he had pleaded not guilty.
He did not testify during the trial and did not call evidence in his defence.
Pleterski cross-examined only the first of 14 Crown witnesses, according to reporting from the trial.
The decision to proceed without a lawyer followed a dispute over whether the trial should be delayed to give him more time to retain counsel.
Justice Nakatsuru rejected the request for an adjournment but said the court would take an enhanced role to help ensure that the proceedings remained fair.
What charges does Pleterski face?
Pleterski was charged in May 2024 following an investigation involving Durham Regional Police and the Ontario Securities Commission.
The central charge before the jury is fraud over $5,000.
A separate money-laundering charge was withdrawn by the Crown after the prosecution completed its case, according to the latest trial update.
The fraud allegation remains unproven.
Pleterski has pleaded not guilty, and the jury must decide whether the Crown proved the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Crown’s case against the former “Crypto King”
In its closing argument, the Crown argued that Pleterski presented himself as a successful investor while using money provided by investors for purposes other than those described in investment agreements.
Prosecutor Akshay Aurora told jurors that Pleterski was not the successful trading figure he claimed to be and alleged that investor funds were used to support his personal spending.
The Crown’s closing argument followed testimony from investors who described providing substantial sums of money after being told their funds would be used for foreign-exchange or other investment activity.
Prosecutors also pointed to financial records and evidence concerning the movement of funds.
The defence position is that the evidence does not establish fraud beyond a reasonable doubt.
Why the verdict may not come immediately
Jury deliberations can last from a few hours to several days or longer, depending on the number of issues jurors must consider and whether they ask the judge to clarify the law or review evidence.
The jury must assess the evidence presented at trial rather than public descriptions of Pleterski or the wider insolvency proceedings involving companies connected to him.
If jurors reach a verdict, it will be delivered in court.
If they cannot agree, the judge could declare a mistrial and determine the next procedural step.
A case that began with a high-profile investment collapse
The criminal prosecution followed the collapse of an investment operation associated with Pleterski in 2022.
The case attracted public attention because of his social-media image, luxury lifestyle and use of the “Crypto King” label.
Separate civil and bankruptcy proceedings have continued alongside the criminal case.
Those proceedings are distinct from the criminal trial and do not determine whether the fraud charge has been proven.
The criminal case also has no bearing on the separate proceedings involving the alleged 2022 kidnapping and assault of Pleterski.
Those matters involve different accused people and different allegations.
What happens next
The immediate next step is a verdict from the jury.
Until then, Pleterski remains legally presumed innocent of the criminal charge before the court.
If convicted, sentencing would take place at a later hearing.
If acquitted, the criminal prosecution would end, although separate civil or bankruptcy-related proceedings could continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aiden Pleterski accused of?
Pleterski is facing a charge of fraud over $5,000. A separate money-laundering charge was withdrawn during the trial, according to the latest court update.
Has Aiden Pleterski been found guilty?
No. The case went to the jury on October 29, 2026, and no verdict had been reported as of Thursday afternoon.
Is Aiden Pleterski represented by a lawyer?
Pleterski represented himself during the trial after a request to delay the proceedings to retain counsel was rejected.
What happens after the jury receives the case?
Jurors deliberate and may return a verdict, ask the judge to clarify legal issues or take additional time before reaching a decision.
Are the kidnapping allegations part of the fraud trial?
No. The alleged kidnapping and assault case is a separate criminal matter involving different allegations and accused people.
Fact-Checked: The chronology was corrected to reflect that closing submissions and Pleterski’s brief statement occurred Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while final jury instructions and the start of deliberations occurred Thursday, October 29, 2026. ([todayincanada.ca](https://todayincanada.ca/crypto-king-aiden-pleterski-addresses-jury-at-his-fraud-trial-for-first-time-says-hes-innocent/?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: The allegations described in this article have not been proven in court, and Pleterski is presumed innocent unless found guilty.