Canadian 'online poison seller' Kenneth Law to have 'murder charges dropped in plea deal'

A Canadian chef accused of supplying deadly substances to people around the world who have taken their own lives will have murder charges dropped as part of a plea deal, his lawyer has said.

Kenneth Law, 60, has agreed to plead guilty to counselling or aiding suicide, according to Matthew Gourlay.

Canadian prosecutors will in exchange withdraw all 14 murder charges he currently faces, the lawyer said.

Law's case is scheduled to return to court in Newmarket, Ontario, on Monday.

Canadian police said Law, who was a chef at the five-star Fairmont Royal Hotel in Toronto, used a series of websites to market and sell a poisonous chemical to people at risk of self-harm.

He is suspected of sending at least 1,200 packages to more than 40 countries and authorities in the US, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and the UK have launched investigations.

The National Crime Agency previously said they are investigating 109 deaths linked to the supply of poisonous substances through the online platforms.

Law has been in custody since his arrest at his home in Mississauga, Ontario, in May 2023.

Read more: 'Dr Death' and the poison sellers

It is against the law in Canada for someone to recommend suicide, although assisted suicide has been legal since 2016 for people aged at least 18.

Any adult with a serious illness, disease or disability may seek help in dying, but they must ask for assistance from a physician.

According to the Canadian Criminal Code, abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, while a murder conviction automatically means life in prison, with no chance of parole for at least 25 years.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.

(c) Sky News 2026: Canadian 'online poison seller' Kenneth Law to have 'murder charges dropped in plea deal'