The rise and fall of Canada's 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski

In December 2022, in the middle of the night, 25-year-old Aiden Pleterski was kidnapped in downtown Toronto.

His captors released the self-proclaimed "Crypto King" after three days but under threat - Mr Pleterski had to come up with some money, fast, according to court documents. "I'm sorry, I really am, I didn't want to or mean to ruin anyone's life," a bruised and bloodied Mr Pleterski is seen saying in a video obtained by CBC News. His lawyer later said the video was filmed during the kidnapping. It wasn't the first - or last - trouble for the young Canadian man who billed himself as a crypto whiz promising "savvy investments". READ MORE:This week, following a 16-month investigation, Ontario police and the provincial securities commission announced Mr Pleterski had been charged with fraud over C$5,000 ($3,600; £2,900) and for laundering the proceeds of crime.