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Phoebe Loomes

Mail-order suicide kits from Canada cited in a number of Australian deaths

Several vulnerable Australians used the mailed suicide kits to end their lives, investigators believe. Photo: AAP

A Canadian chef accused of selling “suicide kits” to vulnerable people online has reportedly been linked to the deaths of several Australians who took their own lives.

Kenneth Law, 57, is accused of selling “suicide kits” to at-risk people online over a two year period, and is at the centre of a multi-agency probe.

Investigators from Australia, Britain, the US, Italy, New Zealand and Canada joined forces to uncover his alleged crimes, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and state police know of at least 10 packages containing the lethal substance having been sent to Australians and resulting in deaths, federal government security sources said.

Mr Law was arrested and charged with two counts of counselling or aiding suicide after two deaths in the Ontario municipality of Peel on May 2.

Globe-girdling operation

Local police say their investigation has uncovered evidence of Mr Law sending 1200 packages to 40 different countries.

Several police forces in Canada have since announced they will review deaths in their area, the Toronto Sun reports.

The Ontario chef has been linked with up to 20 people’s deaths internationally, including 13 UK residents, and one US teenager.

The chef’s prosecution came after he told a reporter from The Times, who posed as a buyer, that “many, many, many, many” of his customers were dead.

The substance, commonly used in commercial food preparation, can be lethal when ingested. AAP has chosen not to name the substance.

An AFP spokeswoman declined to comment when contacted by AAP.

The ABF has been contacted for comment.

-AAP

  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • beyondblue 1300 22 4636
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
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