Canadian “Crypto King” Kidnapped, Tortured, and Held for Ransom After Allegedly Scamming Investors
Aiden Pleterski’s Investment Scheme and Lavish Lifestyle
Aiden Pleterski, who has dubbed himself as Canada’s “Crypto King,” has reportedly been abducted, subjected to torture, and held for ransom by a group of individuals who claim to have suffered losses in his investment scheme. According to court documents filed earlier this month, Pleterski was petitioned into bankruptcy in August 2022, accused of running an investment scheme that fleeced investors out of millions. Following the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings, claims worth $25 million Canadian dollars have been filed in relation to his case.
According to allegations, Pleterski promised investors that he would invest their money in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange positions but reportedly only invested less than 2% of the total amount, approximately $670,000. Meanwhile, he is accused of using around $16 million to finance his lavish lifestyle, which involved renting private jets, embarking on luxurious vacations, and buying exotic cars such as “A fleet of high-end automobiles consisting of a Ferrari, four Audis, three Lamborghinis, three McLarens, one Land Rover, and a BMW.”
Kidnapping and Ransom Demand
In December 2022, the Toronto Police notified Rob Stelzer, the trustee of the bankruptcy case, that Aiden Pleterski had been kidnapped. Court documents filed on March 14 included statements from Dragan Pleterski, Aiden’s father, who testified that his son had been held captive for roughly three days, during which he was subjected to physical abuse and torture. According to the testimony, Pleterski’s captors demanded a ransom of $3 million from his landlord, Sandeep Gupta, in exchange for Pleterski’s safe release.
Court documents indicate that during his captivity, Pleterski contacted his landlord, Sandeep Gupta, requesting $3 million to meet the ransom demand. Pleterski’s father testified that his son was subsequently released on the condition that he arranged for the payment of the ransom promptly and refrained from reporting the matter to law enforcement.
Troubles with Investments
Based on Pleterski’s testimony, he encountered difficulties in November 2021 when he claimed to have lost all of his investments, coinciding with the downturn of crypto markets from their all-time highs. To recoup losses and return some of the investors’ money, he took overly aggressive positions that ultimately led to more losses. He admitted that his actions were driven by a desire for excessive material gain.
Highlighting Risks of Cryptocurrency Investment Schemes
The kidnapping and torture of Pleterski marks a dramatic turn in the case and highlights the risks associated with cryptocurrency investment schemes. Investors should be wary of investment schemes that promise quick and high returns, especially in the cryptocurrency market. It is important to do due diligence and research the individuals and companies involved in the scheme before investing any money.
To sum up, the story of Aiden Pleterski is a warning for investors to be careful and conduct thorough research before investing their funds. The purported investment scheme of Pleterski and his subsequent abduction and torture underscore the hazards associated with investing in unregulated markets and relying on self-proclaimed specialists. Additionally, this case emphasizes the significance of adequate financial regulations to safeguard investors against fraudulent activities. As the popularity of the cryptocurrency market continues to grow, it is crucial to stay vigilant and take necessary measures to evade falling victim to deceitful schemes.
