Investor charged with kidnapping 'Crypto King' accused of meddling in co-accused's case
Akil Heywood, an investor previously charged in the kidnapping of 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski, faces new charges for allegedly attempting to influence a co-accused's testimony. Heywood is also facing separate charges related to a dangerous street racing incident in Toronto.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of high-profile financial crimes, violent abduction, and ongoing legal proceedings within the crypto industry.
Akil Heywood, 42, invested hundreds of thousands of dollars with Pleterski and was charged last month with attempting to dissuade Deren Akyeam-Pong — who pleaded guilty in the kidnapping — from giving evidence in a judicial proceeding on Nov. 3, 2025, according to court records.
That is the same day an Ontario Superior Court judge lifted a temporary publication ban on the agreed statement of facts tied to Akyeam-Pong's guilty plea for Pleterski's 2022 kidnapping.
Akyeam-Pong pleaded guilty to nine charges in the case, including kidnapping, assault and various gun charges in October 2025. Through his lawyer, Akyeam-Pong declined to comment on the new charge against Heywood.
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