**Man Pleads Guilty in Kidnapping of Crypto Investor Aiden Pleterski** A Toronto man has pleaded guilty to charges related to the kidnapping of Aiden Pleterski, known as Ontario's self-proclaimed "Crypto King." Deren Akyeam-Pong, 26, entered his plea in Ontario Superior Court just before his jury trial was set to begin. Akyeam-Pong admitted to nine charges, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, and various firearm offenses. His guilty plea comes after he and others allegedly held Pleterski captive from December 5 to December 8, 2022. During this time, a video surfaced online showing a visibly beaten Pleterski apologizing to investors who lost a total of $40 million. Initially, Akyeam-Pong hesitated to confirm his plea but later stated it was voluntary after consulting with his lawyers. He acknowledged that the prosecutor's summary of the events was "truthful, complete, and accurate." Due to an interim publication ban, details from the 39-page agreed statement of facts cannot be reported, as it may affect the fair trial rights of the other accused. A hearing to discuss lifting the ban is scheduled for later this month. Akyeam-Pong's unexpected plea marks a significant development in a case that has garnered international attention, largely due to Pleterski's extravagant lifestyle. He portrayed himself as a financial prodigy on social media, but bankruptcy proceedings revealed he misused investor funds for personal expenses, spending $16 million on luxury items while investing only about two percent of the money he received. Pleterski, 26, is facing his own fraud trial next year. Akyeam-Pong was originally set to stand trial alongside Akil Heywood, 41, and Alfredo Paladino, both of whom are also charged in connection with the kidnapping. Heywood, an investor who lost a significant amount of money to Pleterski, has maintained his innocence. Following Akyeam-Pong's plea, the trial judge agreed to an adjournment requested by the defense lawyers for Heywood and Paladino, citing the "sea change" in the case. A new trial date has not yet been established. Akyeam-Pong's guilty plea does not include any promises from prosecutors, and he will not testify against the other defendants. After the kidnapping, Pleterski was released in downtown Toronto. In August, Justice Shin found Akyeam-Pong guilty of unrelated drug and weapons offenses from a year prior to the kidnapping. He has not yet been sentenced for those charges, and prosecutors have not disclosed what penalties they will seek for the kidnapping-related offenses. The other accused, Heywood and Paladino, are awaiting trial on charges that include kidnapping, extortion, and firearm offenses. Pleterski's trial for fraud and money laundering is scheduled for October 2024.