Canadian admits guilt over “most dangerous business idea,” profiting from global deaths

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Sixty-year-old Canadian Kenneth Law pleaded guilty to 14 charges of inciting or aiding suicide on Friday. The court in Canada's Newmarket was crowded with family members of victims, who reacted emotionally as the charges were read out.

Kenneth Law confirmed during the hearing that he voluntarily admitted guilt and recognized the seriousness of his actions. He acknowledged his role in the deaths of 14 people between the ages of 16 and 36 in Ontario, Canada. In addition, he admitted to sending lethal chemicals associated with 79 deaths in the United Kingdom.

The guilty plea came after prosecutors agreed to drop 14 murder charges. Sentencing will be determined in September. A Canadian investigation found that Law sold so-called "suicide kits" through various websites to people in 41 countries and territories. In total, he shipped 1,209 kits, most of which went to the United Kingdom and the United States.

Spicy sauce to hide diabolical practices

To be less conspicuous, Law offered other products besides the deadly chemicals, including hot sauce, which made his activities look like those of an ordinary wholesaler. The packaging stated that use was entirely the responsibility of the buyer. He also sold aids for suicide and gave detailed instructions on how to use them.

Relatives reacted furiously to the deal with prosecutors. "After three years of waiting, this is a disgrace. He never really took responsibility," said a mother whose daughter died. "He made money from deaths all over the world."

A British investigation revealed that 286 people in the U.K. received packages from Law, identifying 112 deaths. Thanks to an agreement between Canadian and British authorities, his role in those deaths will be included in the sentencing process.

Several British families warn that the online communities involved are still accessible. "As long as nothing changes, more people will lose someone," said Adele Zeynep Walton, who lost her sister, in a comment to The Guardian.

At the time of his arrest, nearly $297,000 Canadian dollars (185,000 euros) was found in accounts linked to his businesses.

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