A man accused of selling lethal substances on the internet faces additional charges
Kenneth Law, who was initially charged with two counts of counselling or aiding suicide in Canada, is now facing a total of 14 charges. Detectives revealed that an international investigation is underway after it was discovered that Law had sent over 1,200 packages to 40 countries, including the UK, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and the US.
Image: Peel Regional Police
Peel Regional Police released images of the chemical allegedly sold
According to the National Crime Agency, 272 individuals who purchased items from Canadian websites aimed at suicidal individuals have been identified, out of which 88 have died. However, it has not been confirmed whether the website purchases directly caused the deaths, and investigations are ongoing.
The substance sold online, which will not be named by Sky News, is a white, crystalline substance that is used in food processing and can have fatal effects if consumed in sufficient amounts, including reduced oxygen levels and impaired breathing.
All 12 of the new charges against Law are related to cases in the Canadian province of Ontario, involving victims aged between 16 and 36. Inspector Simon James stated that they are cooperating and sharing information with law enforcement agencies globally, as there are ongoing police investigations in other jurisdictions.
Read more: What we know about Kenneth Law
In early May, Law was initially arrested following an investigation into the sudden death of an individual who had consumed a chemical purchased from a website allegedly owned by Law. He denied reports of willingly selling products to facilitate suicide. Although the chemical he allegedly sold can be utilized for other purposes, his mail-order company was shut down after an investigation by The Times.
Assisted suicide is illegal in both the UK and Canada, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
