Ontario task force 'working very closely' with police abroad as part of Kenneth Law probe

Police in Ontario say they are "working very closely" with law enforcement around the world as they continue to investigate Kenneth Law, the alleged poison seller now charged with murder in connection with multiple deaths across the province.

York Regional Police Insp. Simon James, who heads up a multi-service task force investigating Law, said that work includes collaboration with agencies like the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.K.'s National Crime Agency.

CBC News learned Monday that Law was charged with 14 counts of second-degree murder, in addition to the 14 counts of counselling or aiding suicide that he was already facing. James confirmed the charges at a news conference Tuesday. 

The new charges are related to the same alleged victims in multiple Ontario municipalities, including Toronto, Peel Region, York Region, Durham Region, Waterloo, London, and Thunder Bay.

Law, 58, is currently in police custody, James said. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 19. The case will be heard at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Newmarket.

Law's lawyer, Matthew Gourlay, acknowledged the new charges in a brief email statement.

"I am not able to offer any further comment at this early stage." he added.

Law was initially arrested by Peel police in May after an investigation into two local deaths. Investigators have said his alleged victims in Ontario range in age from 16 to 36. While James declined to provide any specific information about the victims, he did say that more than one were under the age of 18. 

WATCH | Task force not naming Law's alleged victims:

Police not identifying victims in Kenneth Law investigation

12 months ago

Duration 1:09

CBC News learned Monday that Kenneth Law was charged with 14 counts of second-degree murder. York Regional Police Insp. Simon James said investigators are not providing information about the victims both out of respect for the people and their families, and to ensure the "best possible case remains intact." James did say that more than one of the victims were under the age of 18.

Police allege that starting in 2020 Law operated several websites that were used to sell sodium nitrite and other items that can be used for self harm. Investigators have previously said that Law sent at least 1,200 packages to people in more than 40 countries. At least 160 packages were sent within Canada, James said.

Official records and statements along with media reports and interviews with families conducted by CBC News suggest Law's projects may be linked to 117 deaths worldwide. So far, 88 of those deaths are in the U.K. 

Authorities in New Zealand, France, Ireland, Italy, Germany and Switzerland have all confirmed Law shipped packages to addresses in their respective countries. Multiple Canadian police forces outside of Ontario are also reviewing past sudden deaths in light of the allegations against Law.

WATCH | Law charged with multiple counts of 2nd-degree murder:

Kenneth Law charged with 14 counts of 2nd-degree murder

12 months ago

Duration 2:52

The man accused of selling poison to people who later died has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with 14 deaths in Ontario. Kenneth Law had already been charged with 14 counts of counselling or aiding suicide and is suspected of selling the poison in over 40 countries, police allege.

In a news release published after James spoke to reporters, Peel police appealed to the public to be "vigilant" about home deliveries from the following companies:

• Imtime Cuisine
• AmbuCA
• Academic/ACademic
• Escape Mode/ escMode
• ICemac

"If you or someone you know has received a package from the businesses listed above, please get in touch with your local police service immediately. Packages received could contain hoods, masks, tubing and/or sodium nitrite," the release said.