Aiden Pleterski, known as the “Crypto King,” has an investor, Akil Heywood, who faces additional charges, including tampering with a co-accused’s case. Heywood, 42, invested a substantial amount with Pleterski and was recently charged with trying to influence Deren Akyeam-Pong, who had pleaded guilty in the kidnapping case, from providing evidence on November 3, 2025.
On the same day, a publication ban associated with Akyeam-Pong’s guilty plea for Pleterski’s 2022 kidnapping was lifted by an Ontario Superior Court judge. Akyeam-Pong admitted guilt to multiple charges, such as kidnapping and assault, in October 2025. Heywood was also implicated in a street racing incident in Scarborough last month, where he allegedly fled the scene of a crash involving four individuals, including an infant.
Heywood was initially arrested in July 2023 in connection with Pleterski’s kidnapping and subsequently released on bail. His trial, along with two other co-accused, for the kidnapping and attempted extortion of Pleterski is scheduled for November. Heywood has denied any involvement in the kidnapping.
The kidnapping of Pleterski began on December 5, 2022, when he was lured into a meeting under the pretense of discussing investment opportunities but was instead abducted and subjected to a three-day ordeal involving threats, torture, and gun violence. The agreed statement of facts revealed that Pleterski was tortured with waterboarding, cigarette burns, and physical assault before being released in downtown Toronto.
Pleterski’s financial troubles began in 2022 when he faced bankruptcy due to investor disputes, with accusations of misappropriating funds exceeding $40 million meant for cryptocurrency investments. Heywood’s involvement in orchestrating the kidnapping was purportedly an attempt to recover the funds he believed were owed to him.
In May 2024, Pleterski was arrested on fraud and money laundering charges by Durham Regional Police related to investor funds. His trial is scheduled for October in Toronto, while Heywood’s trial for the kidnapping is set for November, alongside his co-accused.
