In brief
- Deren Akyeam-Pong pleaded guilty to nine charges, including kidnapping and assault related to the December 2022 abduction of Ontario’s “Crypto King” Aiden Pleterski.
- The guilty plea prompted an immediate adjournment of the trial for co-defendants Akil Heywood and Alfredo Paladino, with no new trial date scheduled.
- Cybersecurity consultant warns oversharing crypto gains “practically paints a target on people’s backs” as criminals exploit social media intelligence.
One man has admitted to kidnapping and torturing Ontario’s self-proclaimed “Crypto King,” Aiden Pleterski, in a violent December 2022 abduction that has become emblematic of the growing danger crypto holders face from physical attacks.
Deren Akyeam-Pong pleaded guilty…
Jan 13 2026
