A man who sold lethal substances to vulnerable individuals he met on a suicide website, leading to two deaths, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
The Predatory Business Model
Miles Cross, 33, from Wrexham, established a chilling enterprise targeting people experiencing mental health crises on an online forum. Using a pseudonym, he posted a QR code that directed users to a method for ordering a deadly chemical directly from him, with payment made to his bank account.
The court heard he joined the site in July 2024 and committed the offences on 9 August, 22 August, 26 August, and 13 September that same year. He sold four kits for £100 each, mailing the chemical to his customers. Tragically, two of those who purchased the substance took their own lives. One victim was named as 26-year-old Shubhreet Singh from West Yorkshire.
Investigation and Arrest
North Wales Police launched an investigation following a referral from Thames Valley Police, who were probing a suicide in their area linked to the chemical. Financial inquiries traced the source to Cross in Wrexham.
In a raid on his address in January 2025, officers found quantities of the chemical and other paraphernalia. Forensic analysis of his seized digital devices conclusively linked him to the forum, associated social media profiles, and the bank account used for payments.
During police interviews, Cross denied any wrongdoing. He arrogantly told detectives: “I haven’t put any kits together and I haven’t distributed these kits to anyone so I don’t have names, addresses of the people.” When asked if anyone might be at risk from items he sold, he simply replied: “No.”
Sentencing and Calls for Action
Despite his initial denials, Cross appeared at court in November 2025 and pleaded guilty to four counts of encouraging or assisting the suicide of another person, contrary to the Suicide Act 1961.
Following the sentencing, Andy Burrows, Chief Executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, issued a stark warning. He stated Cross had callously used a pro-suicide forum to target vulnerable people, selling a substance linked to at least 133 UK deaths. He urged Ofcom to act immediately to apply fines and criminal sanctions against the forum's owners and called for a public inquiry.
Det Supt Chris Bell of North Wales Police said: “Cross took advantage and exploited his victims in their most desperate moments, profiting off their vulnerability and mental illnesses.” Alison Storey, a CPS Specialist Prosecutor, added that his actions were “purely for financial gain”.
Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans described the case as unique, highlighting how Cross had “no connection to people with suicidal ideation” but specifically targeted them for profit. He confirmed that working with the National Crime Agency and Ofcom, they had made the specific US-based forum used by Cross less accessible from the UK.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
