A 26‑year‑old crypto entrepreneur was kidnapped and subjected to violent torture over three days in December 2022.
The suspect, Deren Akyeam‑Pong, pleaded guilty to nine charges that include kidnapping, assault and multiple gun offenses. He is also a drug trafficker with a long record of convictions.
Court statements describe how Akyeam‑Pong forced the victim into a Dodge Ram, bound his wrists, and threatened him with a loaded gun while demanding crypto passwords. When the victim failed to comply, the suspect used physical violence and gunshots to intimidate him.
The victim endured head blows, a mock execution in which a gun was fired near his head, and was forced to kneel while being threatened with further harm.
After the initial confrontation, the victim was taken to a junkyard where he was burned with a cigarette and had pieces of flesh removed from his knee. He was also waterboarded twice until the water ran out.
During the ordeal, the suspect forced the victim to record a video at a Pickering apartment, repeating statements of alleged theft. The victim was moved to several locations, including London, St. Catherines and Niagara, while threats were made against his family.
The victim was eventually released at a hotel in Toronto, instructed to recover the funds. Akyeam‑Pong was arrested in April 2023 after a restaurant encounter, where he was found with a loaded handgun and cash.
Akyeam‑Pong has claimed to have suffered injuries while awaiting trial, citing assaults by guards and inmates. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Friday.
The victim is also facing a $40 million fraud trial later this year.
