Puffer Fish Toxin Man Seeking Murder of Woman in 2006

That’s what the affidavit of FBI agent Mark R. Mahoney says right off the bat:

“…I have learned that Edward F. Bachner, IV has ordered and received large quantities of Tetrodotoxin (‘TTX’), a toxic substance that is a biological agent for purposes of (statute cited) from legitimate United States distributors through the mail using the alias ‘Edward Backer’ by purporting to be a researcher as part of an Illinois company ‘EB Strategic Research.’

“…Additionally, in 2006, Bachner admitted to sending electronic mail (email) messages to various individuals seeking the murder of an unnamed woman.”

Mahoney relates how on June 12th, from a computer in Bachner’s house, an electronic purchase order was placed for 98 grams of TTX with a New Jersey firm, which is named, but which I shall not identify.

TTX is a neurotoxin, 0.7 to 4 milligrams is estimated to kill a person weighing 132-165 pounds, if taken orally.

The cost was $7,056.

The company asked for more verification of the toxin’s intended use in a return email.

The fake doctor’s reply said,

“Need Tetrodotoxin quickly for marine antitoxin research purposes (our current supplier ran into inventory / supply issues and we are on the verge of a breakthrough). $72 / mg plus $30 overnight courier per your site. For long-term customer relationship, we will comply and forward paperwork. In the meantime, what is your maximum quantity for a single purchase? (We need 25 mg asap, preferably tomorrow but can wait until Monday if absolutely necessary.)

“Please ship today and invoice us, or we can pre-pay by express-sending the payment out to you later today. Please advise soon.

“Dr. Edmund Backer, etc.”

The toxin supply company employee replied on June 12th,

“Since you have purchased TTX from a previous supplier in the past, you know the regulations and you know I cannot ship without the proper forms and valid identification.”

The employee contacted the FBI on June 17th, telling the FBI that typical purchases were 2 milligrams.

At the instruction of the FBI, the employee sent this email to the fake doctor on June 18th:

“I am sorry for the delay in following up on this. I was out of town. I am down to my last 12X1mg Asc-054 TTX. Please let me know if you still need it and if this quantity would be acceptable to start with and I will place it on hold. I am waiting for a reply from our lab as to when we will have more in stock.”

The fake doc took the hook and order the amount offered, asking it be delivered the next morning.

On the 20th, the employee was instructed by the FBI to call a number and left a message. Unfortunately, it was to the wrong number.

Then, this email was sent to the Puffer Fish Poison guy:

“We tried to notify you of a quality control issue with the Tetrodotoxin, but evidently there was a typo with the telephone number.

“We are expecting a new batch of TTX on Tuesday of next week. We will be able to ship Tuesday for Wednesday delivery. However, as is out policy, we need to verify your contact information. Please provide a correct phone number at your earliest convenience.”

On June 24, the employee, now identified as a woman for the first time, sent an email with this included:

“Dear Dr. Backer,

“We have not heard back from you with regards to the email below.

“The new batch of TTX is in stock and we would like to ship your order. However, we need your correct phone number for FedEx.

“Please call customer service…before 2:30 today in order for us to schedule pick-up with FedEx for shipment today.”

The next afternoon, Wednesday, June 25th, he replied:

“Please pardon my absence. I was called out of town on urgent family business and I have just now checked my email. The order status – 25mg is fine, so please ship asap for next day am delivery. Thank you.”

The FBI tracked down the box at the Algonquin UPS Store and got the mail awaiting pick-up. A California company had sent what the FBI thought was a check made out to “EB Strategic Research,” Bachner’s fake company.

When contacted, the California firm said it had done business with the (fake) doctor since November, 2006, through May, 2008, filling multiple orders for TTX totally at least 64 milligrams. A company sales rep became concerned when he placed an order to 100 milligrams and declined to fill the order.

The FBI tracked Bachner’s internet provider to 950 Oak Street in Lake in the Hills. The firm is DLS Internet Services.

Surveillance on Bachner’s home at 5704 McKenzie Drive in Lake in the Hills began on June 23rd. It continued on June 24th and 25th.

Among other things found in a public record data base search was that Bachner holds a Firearms Ownership Identification card. Illinois State Police records show Bachner applied to purchase a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer operating out of his home in Lake in the Hills. The FBI also discovered that Bachner purchased a Glock 34, 9 millimeter pistol in November of 2007.

Other articles:

Toxin Neighbor in Lake in the Hills

Puffer Fish Toxin Guy Had Empty Poison Vials, Needles and Book Telling How Much Needed to Kill People

Bachner Connection to the Murder Request: “I was bored.”


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