An international investigation is underway into an online vendor of so-called 'suicide kits' believed to be based in Eastern Europe, whose products have been linked to multiple deaths in the United Kingdom, the Mirror has learned.
Metropolitan Police Identify Suspect
Scotland Yard detectives identified a suspect in Eastern Europe who allegedly supplied toxic substances to individuals seeking to take their own lives. Despite this, the Metropolitan Police stated they have "not been able to bring a prosecution against an individual believed to be the source of the chemical linked to a number of deaths in London." The force confirmed there is "no longer an active, criminal investigation into the website where this chemical is being sold." However, sources indicate that "foreign law enforcement agencies are understood to be investigating the source of the [chemical] that is being exported to a number of countries around the world."
Victims and Families Speak Out
The deaths include clinical psychologist Zara Afua Ampong-Appiah, 30, who was found dead in her bed in Forest Gate, east London, last year after searching online for the lethal chemical. Her mother, Elly Oppong, 66, said her daughter's death "broke her heart." Another victim, Jane Colechin, a 44-year-old mother-of-two and charity worker, also died after the substance was delivered to her home via Royal Mail. Pete Aitken, 63, whose 22-year-old daughter Hannah took her own life after purchasing a chemical from Malaysia, said: "From my own experience, the only thing I can salvage from Hannah's death is the hope that other people's children will be protected or safeguarded. There needs to be effective action taken. I think about Hannah every minute of every day and it adds to the pain to know there's been no effective action."
Link to Canadian Kenneth Law Case
The suspect is said to have supplied the same substance as Canadian Kenneth Law, 60, who pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicides in Canada. Law sold about 1,200 packages of toxic substances to recipients in 40 countries, roughly a quarter of which were sent to the UK. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to charge Law in the UK, agreeing to the Canadian plea bargain on the basis that his sentence would take British deaths into account. Specialist CPS prosecutor Andrew Hudson said that including UK victims in the Canadian sentencing process was the "quickest and most effective route" to justice, as a successful extradition was "far from guaranteed and would have taken years to conclude."
Government and Police Response
A government spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost a loved one in these cases. We are working closely with law enforcement partners to identify and intercept harmful substances entering the UK. Ofcom recently fined a suicide forum £950k, and we will continue to take action to prevent the misuse of dangerous substances and ensure the law is upheld." Chief Supt Sean Wilson of the Metropolitan Police added: "The Met has investigated a number of deaths which are believed to be linked to the voluntary and direct consumption of [the substance], ordered online from an individual believed to be based in Eastern Europe. Our work to protect and safeguard vulnerable individuals remains a top priority." A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesperson stated: "The online sale, purchase and importation of substances that can be used in suicide was identified as an emerging threat several years ago. This precipitated investigative and safeguarding action by UK law enforcement agencies, health and social care partners."
If you or someone you know is struggling, Samaritans are available 24/7 for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
