Self-represented defendant Aiden Pleterski makes closing remarks in Toronto fraud trial

In Ontario Superior Court, 27-year-old Aiden Pleterski addressed the jury for the first time, thanking jurors and stating his innocence. Pleterski, who has described himself as a "Crypto King," said he pleaded not guilty because he believes the charges would have been disproved if he had legal representation. He did not call any defence witnesses or testify himself, and said he was unsure what questions to ask the Crown's witnesses.

Crown prosecutor Akshay Aurora delivered a roughly 90-minute closing argument, describing Pleterski as a thief who allegedly diverted investor money for personal use. Aurora cited a forensic audit by Ontario Securities Commission analyst Albert Ciorma, which found that more than $36 million from investors was spent on luxury vehicles, credit-card bills, travel, private jets, security, and payments to Pleterski’s parents, as well as cash advances. The audit also indicated that roughly $16 million was returned to investors, while the remainder was used for personal expenses.

The prosecutor highlighted that none of the funds were transferred to the trading platform FXChoice as promised, and that Pleterski’s cryptocurrency and foreign-exchange trading generated only minimal returns. Aurora also referenced evidence that a purported $311 million FXChoice account never existed, noting that the highest balance recorded was about $12 000.

Justice Shaun Nakatsuru gave the jury most of his instructions on Wednesday and is expected to complete them on Thursday before deliberations begin.