Kenneth Law, a former Canadian chef, has pleaded guilty to 14 counts of assisting suicide after selling poisonous substances online to over 1,200 customers worldwide. Families of victims in the UK are still demanding additional charges.
On 30 May 2026, Kenneth Law, a 60-year-old former Canadian chef, pleaded guilty in an Ontario court to 14 counts of assisting suicide. He was accused of selling poisonous substances online to people in dozens of countries for the purpose of ending their own lives. Prosecutors stated that Law reached a plea agreement with the prosecution, leading to the dismissal of more serious murder charges.
Reports indicate that investigators believe he shipped about 1,200 packages containing poison to recipients in over 40 countries worldwide. Many customers found him through online suicide forums. Approximately a quarter of all packages were sent to the United Kingdom. The Times newspaper revealed its investigation showing he operated several websites selling equipment and chemicals to help people end their lives. Undercover journalists posing as customers discovered he provided usage instructions to ensure death.
While this Canadian legal case directly involves Canadian deaths, many families of deceased individuals in the UK remain dissatisfied after UK prosecutors decided not to pursue charges against Law, despite authorities believing that at least 79 UK deaths were linked to the products he shipped.
The UK Crown Prosecution Service clarified that it supports the plea agreement in Canada and has requested the court to consider the impact on UK victims during sentencing, viewing this as the fastest and most effective way to hold the offender accountable.
Law was arrested in May 2023 following a joint investigation by at least 11 law enforcement agencies from multiple countries, including the UK, the US, and Italy. The court has scheduled a multi-day sentencing hearing starting 23 September, during which victims' families will have the opportunity to deliver impact statements in court.
Source: BBC