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Self-proclaimed ‘Canadian crypto king’ faces criminal fraud charge
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Two Ontarians, including the self-proclaimed “King of Crypto» were charged under the Criminal Code of Canada following a 16-month joint investigation led by the Ontario Securities Commission and Durham Regional Police called Project Swan.
Aiden Pleterski, of Whitby, Ontario, is charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of laundering the proceeds of Canadian crime. Colin Murphy, of Oshawa, Ontario, is charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. The allegations involving Pleterski, who was held for a bail hearing, are covered by a publication ban issued May 14. Murphy was released on recognizance.
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In July 2022, Durham Police began receiving numerous complaints regarding investment fraud involving a Whitby area man, according to a press release issued Wednesday. During their investigation, they discovered that another person associated with the first one also claimed to generate large weekly profits through shrewd investments.
“The victims provided him with money, in the hopes that he would invest it on their behalf and return significant profits,” according to the press release. “These victims were ultimately defrauded as well and were unable to recover their funds. »
More details are to be provided by police after a press conference on Thursday.
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The investigation was conducted by a joint task force comprised of members of the OSC Enforcement Branch and the Durham Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Toronto Police, York Regional Police and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Canada (FINTRAC).
• E-mail: bshecter@nationalpost.com
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