Ukrainian Man Linked to 130 UK Deaths Selling Deadly Poison, Reveals BBC Investigation

A Ukrainian man selling a poison believed to be associated with a significant number of deaths in the UK has been identified by an investigation conducted by the BBC. Leonid Zakutenko has been advertising his services on a website that promotes suicide. During an undercover operation, he confessed to sending five parcels a week to the UK.

The substance he supplies is the same toxic material provided by Canadian Kenneth Law, who is currently facing 14 murder charges. Despite these accusations, Zakutenko vehemently denies the claims levied against him by the BBC. During an investigation, it was found that he has been selling the lethal substance for an extended period.

Although the chemical in question is legally available in the UK for specific company use, suppliers are mandated to conduct the necessary checks to ensure the substance’s intended purpose. Ingesting even small amounts of the material can prove to be fatal.

Zakutenko’s activities have saddened and astounded the family of twin sisters Linda and Sarah, who lost their lives in London as a result of using the Ukrainian’s poison. Helen Kite, Linda’s sister, expressed anger at how easily “death kits” and toxic substances are accessed, mentioning the suicide forum where Linda found Zakutenko. The sisters, intelligent, caring, and articulate, had their lives cut short due to their encounter with Zakutenko.

A comprehensive analysis by Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, an expert in vascular pharmacology, indicates that the chemical sold by Zakutenko could possibly be responsible for over 130 deaths in the UK since 2019. Prof Ahluwalia deduced this from blood and other samples collected from various sources. She highlights the pressing need for an in-depth investigation and regulation to prevent the vengeful utilization of this substance.

It is estimated that Zakutenko has sold the lethal chemical over 1,200 times to buyers in 40 countries, resulting in at least 93 deaths in the UK. Investigations uncovered that Zakutenko has been marketing the same hazardous substance since November 2020. Additionally, three different prescription medicines, referenced in online suicide guides, are among the products he offers. He briefly advertised his services on the same suicide forum used by Kenneth Law, and buyers continued to share his contact information via direct messages.

During an encounter in Kyiv, Ukraine, Zakutenko responded with denials and attempted to avoid the BBC’s questions. However, the BBC placed an order that day and managed to obtain a tracking number, proving that at least one of the parcels contained the lethal substance purchased from Zakutenko. In the face of mounting evidence, Zakutenko remained vehemently defensive and demonstrated a lack of empathy towards the families affected by these deaths.

David Parfett, whose son Tom tragically lost his life after using the same chemical purchased from Kenneth Law, now actively campaigns to shut down the suicide forum responsible for his son’s access to the lethal substance. Coroners across England have repeatedly urged the government to take action in at least five separate instances concerning this chemical and the suicide forum. Despite a “welfare check” from the police after placing an order, Parfett received the chemical and argued that this chain of events is unacceptable in light of the alarming death toll resulting from its usage.

Both Parfett and Helen Kite strenuously insist on stricter measures against the suicide forum, a platform that continues to prey on the vulnerable unhindered. Ms. Kite describes the forum as “an abomination, preying on the most vulnerable and causing immeasurable misery and suffering for those left behind,” emphasizing the government’s responsibility to regulate and prevent access to such platforms. The new Online Safety Act, which recently became law, is expected to aid in curtailing access to harmful online forums.