Kyiv, Ukraine – A Ukrainian man has been identified by an investigation conducted by the BBC for selling a deadly poison, suspected to be linked to at least 130 deaths in the UK. Leonid Zakutenko was found to be advertising his services on a website endorsing suicide, claiming to send five parcels a week to the UK, mirroring the actions of Canadian Kenneth Law, who is currently facing multiple murder charges.
When confronted by the BBC, Zakutenko denied the allegations, asserting that he did not sell the lethal chemical. However, further investigation revealed that he had been supplying the substance for several years. The chemical in question can legally be sold in the UK, but restrictions are in place to ensure it is only used for legitimate purposes by authorized companies.
Prof. Amrita Ahluwalia, an expert in vascular pharmacology at Queen Mary University of London, analyzed samples from deceased individuals and found high levels of the chemical in 71% of cases, indicating a potential link to at least 133 deaths. She emphasized the need for regulation and investigation to prevent misuse of the substance for unintended purposes.
Zakutenko’s activities have raised concerns among families of the deceased, with one describing him as a “contemptible and evil human being.” Victims’ relatives have been advocating for stricter actions to shut down the suicide forums where the deadly chemicals are promoted and sold. Despite warnings from authorities and coroners, sellers like Zakutenko continue to operate, contributing to the rising death toll.
Efforts to curb the online trade of such lethal substances have been met with challenges, as buyers still manage to access them even after welfare checks. The National Crime Agency confirmed cases of individuals succumbing to the poison after receiving parcels, highlighting the necessity for more stringent measures to prevent further tragedies. With the implementation of the Online Safety Act, policymakers aim to restrict access to harmful forums and prevent vulnerable individuals from falling victim to such substances.