I am a 48-year-old individual who uses social media sporadically and is not particularly tech-savvy. Prior to recent times, I had never engaged with Telegram. However, after encountering the tragic story of Ronan Kanda, a 16-year-old who lost his life due to mistaken identity at the hands of two teens who had purchased weapons online, I decided to investigate the ease of acquiring a knife through social media.
It was alarming to discover how effortlessly the individuals involved in that case were able to procure dangerous weapons. In the spring of 2024, I created multiple social media profiles under the guise of an 18-year-old Londoner. This fictional character is portrayed as someone associated with a group of young men who carry knives for protection, believing that owning a larger knife would be more intimidating.
To ensure my regular browsing habits were unaffected, I obtained a separate mobile device for my research. I began exploring and interacting with content related to knives, such as liking posts and following relevant accounts. These groups featured images of youths posing with knives, close-up videos of blade demonstrations, and even footage of knife altercations. Before long, my new social media accounts started inundating me with similar content.
A recurring trend emerged as knives were being promoted on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, with sellers directing potential buyers to their Telegram channels – encrypted spaces where videos, photos, and prices of knives were openly shared. Shortly after commencing my investigations, I stumbled upon my first Telegram group selling illegal weapons, ranging from zombie knives to machetes, switchblades, and swords.
Machetes measuring 22 inches were priced at £40, while 24-inch zombie knives were offered at £50, with restocks anticipated. The seller, based in Walsall, guaranteed delivery to Birmingham for an additional £5. Subsequently, a notification was posted announcing the complete sale of machetes and zombie knives. A poll was later conducted within the group, questioning the necessity of stab-proof vests, to which fifty-six subscribers responded. Eventually, stab vests became available for purchase.
In a matter of weeks, I came across over ten social media accounts selling illicit knives. I rapidly familiarized myself with the slang used within these circles, encompassing terms like knife seller, flick knife, and zombie knife. Knives were marketed in various colors, with sellers showcasing their packages alongside mentions of courier services for prompt deliveries. Some buyers even left reviews after receiving their purchases, expressing satisfaction with comments like “banging quality” and “vouched – nice one bro.”
Deals and promotions were prevalent across these platforms, offering discounts on bulk purchases, price reductions on subsequent orders, and opportunities for members to win knives and knuckledusters for free. Notably, age verification procedures were noticeably absent in these groups.
During my nine-month observation on Telegram, several groups were shut down, including
Recent shipments have arrived, with a focus on stocking bulk quantities for the future to lower knife prices. Despite this, the trade remains strong. A message on a rapidly growing group of 600 members wishes “Happy Valentine’s Day” and suggests buying tools for loved ones as gifts. Some of the knives sold are illegal, while others are not. While legal knife sales on Telegram are not explicitly banned and do not require licenses, it is illegal to promote knives as weapons.
In the spring of 2025, the Home Office plans to introduce a registration scheme for online knife sellers, including those selling regular kitchen knives. The Offensive Weapons Act mandates age verification for sales and deliveries, but enforcement in social media groups is lacking.
Social media platforms have varying responses to the issue. Snapchat prohibits weapon sales and removes violative content, taking action against offenders. TikTok also bans dangerous weapon sales and removes non-compliant content promptly. Meta has yet to comment, but has previously stated its ban on weapon promotion and sales on its platforms.
Telegram explicitly prohibits illegal goods sales and uses AI tools to monitor content. It assists law enforcement, provides data upon legal request, and collaborates with regulatory bodies. The tragic murder of teen Ronan Kanda has prompted the government to introduce stricter measures, known as Ronan’s Law, to address knife sales to minors. Ronan’s family underscores the need for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies.
In the age of social media, the alarming ease of purchasing deadly weapons continues to raise concerns. Despite efforts to regulate online sales, the availability of lethal blades on various social platforms remains a pressing issue. The accessibility and anonymity that these platforms provide have made it a lucrative marketplace for those seeking to acquire dangerous weapons. This unrestricted access to lethal tools poses a significant threat to public safety and demands urgent attention from authorities.
