A Canadian man accused of supplying toxic chemicals to individuals seeking to end their lives has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to assisted suicides.

Kenneth Law, 60, entered guilty pleas to 14 counts of aiding suicide during a court appearance in Ontario on Friday. The plea agreement resulted in prosecutors withdrawing more serious murder charges that had previously been filed against him.

Authorities allege that Law, a former chef, operated online businesses that sold toxic substances to customers around the world. Investigators said he distributed approximately 1,200 packages to individuals in 40 countries, many of whom he reportedly encountered through online suicide forums. Around one-quarter of those shipments were sent to the United Kingdom.

The charges currently before the Canadian court relate exclusively to victims in Canada. However, the case has attracted international attention due to allegations that products supplied by Law were connected to dozens of deaths abroad, including 79 deaths in the UK.

Families of British victims have expressed frustration over the decision not to bring criminal charges against Law in the United Kingdom. They argue that those linked to the UK deaths deserve justice through domestic legal proceedings.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) defended its decision, stating that it had agreed to the Canadian plea arrangement on the condition that the deaths of British victims be considered during sentencing in Canada.

According to a letter from the CPS obtained by the BBC, pursuing charges in the UK would have faced significant legal obstacles. Prosecutors noted that Law could challenge extradition after being convicted of similar offences in Canada, potentially delaying proceedings for years.

Andrew Hudson, a specialist prosecutor with the CPS, said incorporating the UK victims into the Canadian sentencing process represented the “quickest and most effective route” to securing justice. He added that extradition was “far from guaranteed” and warned that any future UK prosecution could be hindered by double jeopardy principles.

The case remains one of the most significant international investigations involving online sales of toxic substances and has renewed concerns about the role of internet platforms in facilitating access to dangerous chemicals.