Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Poisoned: Killer in the Post Uncovers Chilling Online Death Trade in Powerful Channel 4 Exposé

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

A young man's sudden death sparks a chilling investigation in Poisoned: Killer in the Post, a new two-part documentary airing on Channel 4. The series centres on journalist James Beal as he attempts to unravel the truth behind a series of suicides linked by one disturbing detail: the victims all used the same lethal substance, bought online from the same source.

It begins with Tom. His father, still trying to understand what happened, contacts Beal after finding out his son used a chemical that had been delivered to him through the post. That conversation sets off a global story, one that pulls in victims and families from the UK, Canada, the US, Germany and Australia. At the centre of it is Kenneth Law, a former Canadian chef, now accused of sending over 1,200 packages containing deadly substances to vulnerable people around the world.

The UK's National Crime Agency has linked Law to 99 deaths in Britain. He is facing multiple first-degree murder charges in Canada and has pleaded not guilty. The series shows how Beal's investigation moves from a single grieving family to something much wider. He goes undercover, finds his way into online forums that are hard to stomach, and uncovers a shadow network enabling people to end their lives.

Directed by Joy Ash and produced by Wonderhood Studios, the series combines undercover footage, interviews with bereaved families and exclusive access to The Times' investigation. What emerges is less a true crime story and more a warning. It shows what happens when a dangerous product slips through the cracks of regulation, and how easily those looking for help can find harm instead.

Poisoned: Killer in the Post aired on Channel 4 at 9pm on Wednesday 8 July and concludes the following night, Thursday 9 July.

Samantha Anstiss, Chief Creative Officer, Wonderhood studios says: "This urgent and powerful series is testimony to the bravery of bereaved families determined to prevent further deaths and stop young people from being preyed upon online. BAFTA nominated director Joy Ash's beautifully crafted series captures the high stakes and emotionally charged drama involved in undercover journalism and we are proud to partner with The Times and C4 Documentaries on one of the most important crime stories of our times. It crucially shows the power of investigative journalism to effect change and hold power to account". 

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