Man who sold chemical online linked to suicide jailed
Miles Cross sold it to four people, with two of them losing their lives as a result
Last updated 7th Jan 2026
A man from North Wales who sold substances online, which could help people take their own lives, has been jailed for 14 years.
Miles Cross, 33, of Wrexham, pleaded guilty to four counts of encouraging or assisting the suicide of another person.
He set up a business selling the chemical via an online forum, using a pseudonym.
Cross joined the site in July 2024 and posted a QR code, which allowed people to order the chemical directly from him and pay via his bank account.
He received payments of £100 from four people and sent the chemical to them through the post.
Two people took their own lives as a result.
North Wales Police started their investigation after a referral from Thames Valley Police, who were investigating a suicide on behalf of the coroner in that area.
The person who died had used a lethal substance from a package provided by Cross, who they identified through financial investigations.
It was then identified that Cross lived in the Wrexham area and that he'd sold three other packages to people.
Police then raided Cross' home in January 2025 and found amounts of the chemical and other paraphernalia.
His devices were also seized, which linked him to the online forum, social media profiles and the bank account.
Cross was arrested and later pleaded guilty to four counts of encouraging or assisting the suicide of another person.
Detective Superintendent Chris Bell said:
"Cross took advantage and exploited his victims in their most desperate moments, profiting off their vulnerability and mental wellbeing.
"This has been a highly complex and sensitive investigation over the past 10 months, and I want to acknowledge the courage of the witnesses who played an integral part in the investigation during such difficult circumstances.
"I want to thank my team who built a comprehensive case that resulted in Cross admitting all four offences, and a number of key partners to which we are grateful, including the Crown Prosecution Service, The National Crime Agency and colleagues from other forces.
"Safeguarding vulnerable individuals is a priority for us, and we continue to work closely with partner agencies to provide support and prevent harm wherever possible. If you have suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of self-harm, I would like to highlight there is help out there. Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone."
Alison Storey, Specialist Prosecutor with the CPS Special Crime Division, said:
"Miles Cross preyed on four people in a distressed state and knowingly provided a substance intended to end their lives.
"His actions were purely for financial gain, and he made the process of ordering the chemical online easy and accessible.
"This case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by those who aim to exploit vulnerable individuals online. The CPS will always aim to hold offenders to account when they illegally seek to encourage or assist a suicide.
"Our thoughts remain with the families of the victims, and we hope this outcome brings some measure of justice to them."
Help available
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP. If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.
You can also find help and advice from these services:
Hub of Hope |newtab) - hubofhope.co.uk
Samaritans |newtab) – Call 116123 - samaritans.org
Mind |newtab) - 0300 123 3393 - mind.org.uk