Man jailed for selling assisted suicide chemicals online
Following what is believed to be the first probe of its kind, a man who sold chemicals online to help people kill themselves has been sentenced to prison. Miles Cross, 33, was charged with four counts of intentionally doing an act that promotes or aids suicide and was sentenced to 14 years in prison for four years. Cross, a Wrexham man, admitted to giving a deadly chemical to four people between August and September 2024 who had been on an online forum. Shubreet Singh, 29-year-old Shubreyt Singh of Leeds, who paid £100 for a parcel, has since died.
In January 2025, North Wales Police searched Cross' home after Thames Valley Police, who were investigating another case of suicide, discovered his name during
This is the first and very serious situation involving you [a drug] being sent out to people who were distressed and in contact with you in a suicide forum. "Tragically two people died as a result of your lifestyle.financial inquiries. Officers at his home discovered swaths of the same chemical he had sent through the mail as well as other paraphernalia. Judge Rhys Rowlands said:
The court heard from the prosecution that Cross advertised the drugs on an online forum that addressed suicide and suicide techniques, with anyone interested in joining being asked to provide more information about their motivations. The court also heard that suicide is not allowed and that drug selling is not permitted. Cross supplied the chemicals to those who asked for them at a cost of £100, according to the trial, who said that the offence involved a financial benefit. After suffering from emotional deterioration
that resulted in gambling, alcohol, and sedative use, the trial continued to say he had joined the forum to study methods for his own use. The forum was described as a bible
by Cross, who told probation officers that he had sourced the chemicals before receiving two tubs of a drug that if used to "help others end their lives.
Cross had planned his business and purchased the drug before he joined the forum, but the prosecution denied this. He also ordered other medications that have been linked to suicide, according to them. As he joined the forum, Cross sent a note and a snapshot of the chemicals, saying he
on my terms nowfinally had everything. He also said that things were
and that this was theonly relief I've had in a long time. According to the indictment, Cross had opened an account on the website where he had ordered the victims to pay him for the chemicals by 2 August 2024. He had also purchased 100 zip foil bags, which were later recovered by police at his house. Four of the bags were missing. Cross' return address was on all four boxes, and one of the foil bags was found at the scene of Singh's death. On her phone, she had a screenshot of a chat with her and Cross where she asked if she needed assistance finding the medication, which she replied yes. She had made a donation to him from another screenshot.
The pair exchanged messages in the days leading up to Singh's death discussing their
in a better placelast meal. Singh died after consuming the chemicals on September 1st, but she wasn't aware until two days later. Cross received a £100 payment into his account after another individual in respect of count one became suicidal and began researching online. Cross gave them a QR code and said he could deliver the kit. Another survivor of a chemical explosion purchased from Cross was also on the court docket. The father of the drug was missing and his body was discovered weeks later. He had taken his own life with the chemical compound that had been purchased from Cross. Another survivor said she had bought a chemical but decided she was
but discarded it. She said it had beentoo simple
to get the chemical and she hadpanicked" before finally putting the powder in the toilet before finally throwing the soap in the garbage. Cross was arrested on January 13, 2025, with two 1 kg (0). Tubs of the chemical found in his house were discovered in 15st (15st) tubs. One was unopened, and the other had 300 grams (0. 7lbs) remaining.
Since his detention, one of Cross's founders has spoken out to others who might be disadvantaged to seek advice from professionals rather than using online forums. When they purchased the drug, the individual, who cannot be identified because of legal reasons, said they felt vulnerable, overwhelmed, and labored silently.
This experience caused me significant emotional pain.
The fact that this was so straightforward makes me think,I am no longer in that state of mind, but I have had to work hard to recover and move forward in a healthier direction.
they said.I'd not come to my senses, I wouldn't be where I am today.
I hope my words will be used to assist others and to ensure safety for those who may be in similar situations.While the individual doesn't know me and may not fully understand the consequences of his conduct, the drug he advertised, sold, and sent me may have saved my life and seriously affected my family.
A first of its kind in the UK
Gareth Evans, the force's Chief Constable, said the sentencing would alert vulnerable people to predators
like Cross.
he said. North Wales Police worked with Ofcom to shut down the forum that Cross used to look for victims. Experts were also brought into the National Crime Agency and the NHS, according to the department, and it also spoke with Samaritans and Ofcom "who have been successful in limiting people's access to certain forums where we suspect people could be hurt.It has been a peculiar probe, and I suspect it is the first prosecution of its kind in the United Kingdom involving someone using an online forum to threaten vulnerable people,
