Akil Heywood, an investor of self-proclaimed “Crypto King” Aiden Pleterski, is facing additional charges, including allegedly interfering in a co-accused individual’s case. Heywood, aged 42, had invested a substantial amount with Pleterski and was recently charged with attempting to obstruct Deren Akyeam-Pong, who had admitted guilt in the kidnapping case, from providing testimony in a legal proceeding on November 3, 2025.
This development coincided with the lifting of a publication ban on the statement of facts related to Akyeam-Pong’s guilty plea for the 2022 kidnapping of Pleterski. Akyeam-Pong had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, such as kidnapping, assault, and firearm offenses. Heywood’s charges also include allegations of fleeing the scene of a street racing incident in Scarborough, resulting in injuries to four individuals, including an infant. He faces charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, failing to stop at a crash scene, and participating in stunt racing.
Heywood, who was previously arrested for Pleterski’s kidnapping in July 2023 and subsequently released on bail, is scheduled to stand trial in November alongside two other co-accused individuals. None of the charges against Heywood have been tested in court. Despite requests for comment, Heywood’s lawyer, Domenic Basile, has not provided a response. Heywood had previously maintained his innocence in connection to the kidnapping case.
The abduction of Pleterski took place on December 5, 2022, when he believed he was meeting a potential investor, only to be held at gunpoint in a pickup truck in Toronto. The kidnapping, allegedly orchestrated by Heywood, extended over three days during which Pleterski was subjected to threats, torture, and physical harm. The torment included acts like waterboarding, cigarette burns, and beatings with golf clubs, as Pleterski was transported to various locations in southern Ontario before being released in downtown Toronto.
Pleterski’s financial troubles came to light in the summer of 2022 when some investors forced him into bankruptcy. At the time of his kidnapping, efforts were underway to recover over $40 million invested in cryptocurrency and foreign currencies, with only a fraction of the sum reclaimed for about 160 investors through bankruptcy proceedings. Heywood’s motive for the kidnapping was believed to be linked to his attempt to recoup perceived debts owed to him by Pleterski.
In a separate development, Pleterski was arrested in May 2024 by Durham Regional Police on charges of fraud and money laundering related to investor funds. His trial is scheduled to take place in Toronto in October.