Breaking Bad fan jailed for trying to buy enough ricin to kill 1,400

A software programmer has been jailed for eight years for attempting to buy the deadly toxin ricin on the dark web. Mohammed Ali, 31, from Liverpool, bought the powder after being inspired by US TV show Breaking Bad. He purchased it from an anonymous source which turned out to be an undercover FBI agent who alerted the British police. Five vials of harmless powder were delivered concealed in a toy car in February and, had the substance been real, would have been enough to kill 1,400 people.

Everyone needs to know that the possession of a chemical weapon is extremely serious and long prison sentences will follow.

Mr Justice Saunders

During the trial, the Old Bailey heard Ali had messaged the undercover agent in January: “Hi would you be able to make me some ricin and send it to the UK?” After a string of questions about the price, bulk orders and repeat orders, Ali asked how the chemical should be tested. The agent said he must test it on a rodent. Days before the delivery, Ali had made a to-do list on his computer which included the entries “paid ricin guy” and “get pet to murder”, the court heard. The father of two was found guilty of attempting to possess a chemical weapon between 10 January and 12 February.

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