Man Pleads Guilty in Crypto King Kidnap, Two Await Trial

Man Admits Role in Crypto King's Abduction, Two Still Await Trial

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: October 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

Deren Akyeam-Pong admitted guilt to nine charges over Aiden Pleterski’s 2022 kidnapping, which delays trials for two co-accused men;
Pleterski, known as the "Crypto King", allegedly used $16 million of investor money on jets, cars, and luxury trips before his abduction;
Co-defendants Akil Heywood and Alfredo Paladino still face kidnapping and extortion charges, which have not yet been proven in court.

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One of the three men accused in the kidnapping of Aiden Pleterski, who calls himself the "Crypto King", has admitted guilt in court.

According to a report by CBC, Deren Akyeam-Pong pleaded guilty to nine charges in a Toronto court, including kidnapping, assault, and gun-related offenses.

His guilty plea has led to a delay in the court proceedings for the two others charged in the same case.

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Pleterski was known for promoting cryptocurrency and foreign exchange investments. However, court records show he spent around $16 million of investor funds on private jets, luxury vacations, and expensive sports cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

In December 2022, Pleterski was kidnapped and held for three days. During that time, he contacted his landlord and asked for $3 million, reportedly under pressure from his captors.

He was later released with threats to raise the money and stay quiet.

Among those still facing charges is Akil Heywood, who had previously invested with Pleterski and claims to have lost money. He is charged with kidnapping and extortion, but says he is not guilty.

Another man, Alfredo Paladino, faces similar charges. None of the charges against Heywood or Paladino has been proven in court so far.

Pleterski is scheduled to stand trial in 2026 for alleged fraud and money laundering involving the same group of investors.

Two men from Scotland, Robert Barr and Barry Letham, were recently scheduled to stand trial. What were the charges against them? Read the full story.