Ukrainian Man Identified as Seller of Poison Linked to 130 UK Deaths
In a shocking revelation, the BBC has identified a Ukrainian man who has been selling a deadly poison believed to be responsible for at least 130 deaths in the UK. Leonid Zakutenko, who advertised his services on a suicide-promoting website, confessed to sending five parcels containing the lethal substance to the UK every week. This revelation comes after Canadian Kenneth Law, who supplied the same substance, was arrested last year and is now facing 14 murder charges.
Zakutenko, when confronted by the BBC, vehemently denied the claims, but further investigation revealed that he has been supplying the deadly chemical for years. While the chemical can be legally sold in the UK, it is only permitted for use by companies for legitimate purposes. Suppliers are required to conduct basic checks on the intended use of the substance before selling it. Even in small doses, this poison can prove fatal if ingested.
The family of twin sisters Linda and Sarah, who tragically lost their lives in London last year after obtaining the poison from Zakutenko, expressed their outrage at his actions. Helen Kite, sister of the deceased twins, described Zakutenko as a “contemptible and evil human being.” She criticized the authorities for their lack of action in preventing access to the chemical, calling it “a national disgrace.” The chemical Zakutenko sells is openly discussed on a well-known suicide forum, where members advise each other on how to purchase and use it.
Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, an expert in vascular pharmacology at Queen Mary University of London, analyzed blood and other samples from deceased individuals sent to her by pathologists and police across the UK. Of the 187 tests conducted, 71% showed high traces of the deadly chemical, suggesting that at least 133 people may have died as a result of ingesting it. Prof. Ahluwalia emphasized the urgent need for a full investigation and regulation of the substance to ensure it is used for its intended purposes.
The case of Kenneth Law, the Canadian chef who has been charged with 14 counts of murder and aiding suicide, further highlights the gravity of the situation. Law is believed to have sold the chemical over 1,200 times to buyers in 40 countries, with at least 93 deaths in the UK linked to his sales. Zakutenko has been selling the same chemical since at least November 2020 and even briefly promoted his services on the same suicide forum as Law.
The BBC managed to track down Zakutenko to his home in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he denied selling the poison despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The investigation revealed that he had been posting parcels containing the deadly substance at his local post office. When questioned about his actions, Zakutenko responded with denial and claimed ignorance regarding the families of the deceased.
David Parfett, whose son tragically ended his life using the same chemical purchased from Kenneth Law, is now campaigning to shut down the suicide forum and prevent sellers like Zakutenko from operating. The British authorities have been aware of this lethal trade since at least September 2020 when a coroner alerted them to the issue. However, little action has been taken to address it. Mr. Parfett conducted an experiment by ordering a consignment from Zakutenko to test if the authorities would intercept the parcel. Although he received a welfare check from the police, he still received the chemical within weeks without any further intervention.
Both Mr. Parfett and Helen Kite are calling for stronger action against the suicide forum where their loved ones discovered the deadly substance. They describe the site as “an abomination” that preys on vulnerable individuals and causes immense suffering for those left behind. The government believes that the recently enacted Online Safety Act will help restrict access to such forums.
The revelation of Leonid Zakutenko’s involvement in the sale of a deadly poison linked to numerous deaths in the UK has sent shockwaves through the nation. It highlights the urgent need for stricter regulation and enforcement to prevent further tragedies and protect vulnerable individuals from accessing such lethal substances. The families of the victims demand justice and action to ensure that no more lives are lost to this deadly trade.
