Judge Denies Mistrial Request in Aiden Pleterski Fraud Case
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Ontario Superior Court Justice Shaun Nakatsuru ruled that the self-described 'Crypto King' was capable of defending himself despite repeated claims that he lacked the expertise to do so.
A Toronto jury has begun deliberations in the fraud trial of Aiden Pleterski, following a denied request for a mistrial based on the defendant's lack of legal representation. As CBC Toronto first reported, Pleterski requested the mistrial on Monday morning, asserting he was not receiving a fair trial without a lawyer.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Shaun Nakatsuru denied the request, stating Thursday morning that he remained confident Pleterski could have mounted a full defense if he chose. Nakatsuru noted that Pleterski failed to bring a computer, tablet, or Crown disclosure to the proceedings and appeared not to be paying attention to witnesses. The judge further suggested that Pleterski's decision not to participate was likely for "tactical reasons" to support a future appeal.
Throughout the trial, Pleterski claimed roughly two dozen times that he did not know how to defend himself or what questions to ask. While he cross-examined the first investor witness, he declined to question others, frequently stating, "I need a lawyer." Nakatsuru countered that Pleterski had "months, months" to prepare and was aware of the trial date as early as June 2025.
Prosecutors allege that the 27-year-old never invested the more than $36 million he took from investors for trading. Crown prosecutor Akshay Aurora presented financial records showing Pleterski spent $16.3 million on himself and returned $16.1 million to investors as returns. Pleterski is accused of fraud over $5,000; a second charge of money laundering was dropped by the Crown at the end of their case.