Unlicensed Practitioner Administered Expired Drugs in Illegal Cosmetic Surgery Ring in Italy
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An investigation led by the Novara carabinieri has uncovered an illegal cosmetic surgery operation run by a 48-year-old Moldovan citizen, FT, who lacked medical qualifications and utilized expired drugs, putting clients at serious risk.
The operation, discovered in a residential apartment in the Santa Rita neighborhood, came to light following reports of suspicious activity over the past month. Authorities raided the location on Wednesday, shutting down the makeshift office and reporting the individual for practicing medicine without a license and administering spoiled medications.
The suspect allegedly relied heavily on social media and word-of-mouth to attract clients, offering procedures such as Botox and dermal filler injections. Investigators found that appointments were booked for consultations followed by the cosmetic treatments.
“Customers were contacted mostly on social media and by word of mouth,” a senior official stated.
At the time of the raid, two individuals were intercepted leaving the apartment after receiving facial injections – specifically in the lip area and around the eyes. These clients were immediately advised to seek clinical follow-up due to the potential for adverse effects from the administered drugs.
Makeshift Clinic & Lack of Hygiene
The investigation revealed deeply concerning conditions within the apartment. A female carabiniere, posing as a potential client interested in “touch-ups,” confirmed the illicit activity. Inside, authorities discovered a room functioning as a medical office, equipped with only a folding bed and numerous medical products scattered across a table. Crucially, the operation lacked any required health authorizations and failed to meet basic hygiene and sterilization standards.
The practitioner, who reportedly struggled with the Italian language and relied on Google Translate to communicate with patients, also operated without any established medical protocol for patient assessment.
Seized Evidence & Ongoing Investigation
During the raid, authorities seized over 30 pre-filled syringes containing Botox and fillers, along with other materials used for aesthetic medicine treatments. More than 2,000 euros in cash, believed to be proceeds from the illegal operation, were also confiscated.
The seized syringes contained expired drugs, raising significant health concerns for those who received treatments. “The clients who had just left had been given expired drugs,” confirmed a law enforcement source.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine if others were involved in the operation and to identify additional individuals who may have been administered outdated medications. The case highlights the growing risks associated with seeking cosmetic procedures from unqualified practitioners and the importance of verifying credentials before undergoing any medical treatment.