Online Retailer Linked to Fatal Stabbings to Cease Trading Under Current Ownership

An online retailer whose products have been associated with multiple fatal stabbings is set to discontinue its operations under its current ownership. DNA Leisure, situated in Luton, Bedfordshire, declared in June its intention to discontinue the sale of knives and subsequently participated in a government surrender initiative in September, relinquishing 1,542 knives. A blade utilized in the killing of Omar Khan in Luton was acquired from the website; however, a spokesperson for DNA Leisure stated that the perpetrator had engaged in fraudulent activity to place the order. The firm indicated it had “made a commercial decision to wind down www.dnaleisure.co.uk,” yet DNA Leisure itself would remain operational. A spokesperson further clarified, “It is still the case that we are ceasing the trade of bladed items.” Julie Taylor, whose grandson Liam was fatally stabbed in Essex, expressed satisfaction regarding the announcement. She commented, “I think it’s different being a bereaved family member, that’s when you view things a lot differently.” She continued, “Everybody has to make a living, I understand that, but with how society is and how long this has been going on, people need to get a conscience.” Mrs. Taylor’s grandson was 19 years old when he was fatally stabbed outside a pub in Writtle on 31 January 2019. Three individuals received life sentences in August 2021 for his murder, and Mrs. Taylor has since become an advocate against knife crime. DNA Leisure operates from a business park situated on the outskirts of Luton and is managed by Adam Eliaz, a former participant in Junior Apprentice. Its website states that it provides “sports cutlery and adventure equipment.” The company’s closure statement, displayed on its website, declares: “We have made a commercial decision to wind down www.dnaleisure.co.uk. “It will not continue under our ownership. Our last trading day will be on the 31st of December 2024.” Mrs. Taylor expressed her opposition to the DNA Leisure website being relaunched under a different name if it were to offer products capable of “cause harm to the community.” Earlier in the current year, Rayis Nibeel, aged 17, was found guilty of the murder of 38-year-old Omar Khan. The court was informed that he utilized his mother’s identification to purchase 39 hunting knives, 15 machetes, and 12 swords, among other articles, from DNA Leisure. A representative for DNA Leisure had previously asserted that the company adhered to UK laws governing the sale of bladed items, in addition to regulations concerning remote transactions and age verification. Regarding Mr. Khan’s killer, DNA Leisure further stated: “The person in question committed fraud and made orders under their mother’s name and used her ID to purchase from us.” “We used an age-verified courier to deliver the parcel. We did not break the law in any way.” In 2022, Ronan Kanda was killed with a sword that was also acquired from the retailer through the use of false identification. The government implemented more stringent regulations concerning zombie-style knives or machetes in September, making individuals apprehended with such items liable to imprisonment.