Pleterski to represent himself at fraud trial

• Aiden Pleterski will represent himself when his four-week fraud trial begins in Toronto.
• The 27-year-old faces fraud and money laundering charges linked to an alleged multimillion-dollar investment scheme.
• Pleterski failed to secure a trial delay after seeking more time to hire a lawyer.

Pleterski will represent himself when his criminal trial begins on October 5 in Ontario Superior Court.

The trial follows charges filed in May 2024 over alleged fraud involving cryptocurrency and foreign-exchange investments.

“I want to assure you that even though this isn't your first choice, obviously — you will receive a fair trial,” Ontario Superior Court Justice Shaun Nakatsuru said in a statement.

Pleterski sought an adjournment after struggling to secure funds for legal representation before the scheduled trial.

Lawyer Marco Sciarra said Pleterski’s extended family members were willing to liquidate assets to help him obtain a lawyer if the adjournment was granted.

The alleged investment scheme involved about C$40 million from investors, with roughly C$3 million later recovered through bankruptcy proceedings.

CBC reported that about 160 investors sought recovery after Pleterski entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2022.

The case now moves to a four-week jury trial beginning October 5, with Pleterski representing himself.