Online Poison Seller: Uncovering the Investigation into 88 Deaths

author: FutureCar Staff    

The National Crime Agency is currently investigating the deaths of 88 individuals in the UK who purchased substances from Canadian websites that specifically targeted suicidal individuals. This investigation follows the arrest of Kenneth Law, the alleged operator of these websites, who has been charged with two counts of counselling and aiding suicide in Canada.

Kenneth Law, a 57-year-old chef, had previously worked at the Fairmont Royal Hotel in Toronto. He claimed to have an engineering degree from the University of Toronto and an MBA from York University. In 2012, he participated in a fee remission program at a professional association. However, Law filed for bankruptcy in April 2020, revealing significant debts.

Law allegedly registered some of the websites he used to distribute poison packages to suicidal individuals just four months prior to filing for bankruptcy. At the time of his arrest, he was residing in a basement flat in Mississauga. Law has denied reports that he willingly sold products to aid suicide, stating that the chemical he sold had other purposes as well.

Law was arrested and charged with two counts of counselling and aiding suicide in relation to the deaths of two Canadians. The investigation has since expanded, with the UK's National Crime Agency identifying 272 individuals in the UK who purchased items from the Canadian websites. Out of those, 88 individuals have died. The NCA is currently investigating each case to determine if the website purchases played a role in these deaths.

Law's mail-order company was taken offline following an investigation by The Times. Assisting suicide is illegal in both the UK and Canada, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years in both countries. Law is scheduled to appear in court in Ontario on Friday.

The specific chemical that Law is accused of selling is not being disclosed by Sky News. Law has acknowledged selling the substance but claims it was intended for other purposes. Peel Regional Police in Ontario have stated that the chemical can be lethal if consumed in sufficient amounts.

Law allegedly operated a series of five websites to market and sell the substance. These websites have since been taken down. Despite being contacted by UK coroners and police regarding the use of the chemical for suicide, Law reportedly continued to sell it.

Several deaths are currently under investigation, including those of Neha Raju and Tom Parfett, who died by suicide after consuming the same chemical allegedly sold by Law. The Times investigation also linked Law to the deaths of two other British individuals and a 17-year-old boy in the US.

If you are feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal, you can seek help by calling Samaritans at 116 123 or emailing [email protected] in the UK.

FutureCar Staff