Barcelona is at the centre of a Guardia Civil operation that has dismantled a network of clandestine aesthetics clinics operating across Spain. Nine people have been arrested in seven operations, including two arrests in the Barcelona metropolitan area, according to officials.
The operation also covered Biscay, Las Palmas and Asturias. Authorities seized €115,000 and 10,000 doses of Botox, mainly sourced from South Korea and Vietnam.
Investigators said they also found hyaluronic acid and diabetes medicines that were allegedly being used for weight loss treatments. The case involves people without healthcare training, as well as registered professionals.
According to the Guardia Civil, treatments were carried out in hair salons, unlicensed beauty centres and during home visits. In the Barcelona area, the actions focused on L'Hospitalet de Llobregat and Cornellà de Llobregat.
Officials said the products were brought in without health controls or safety guarantees, and that the cold chain was not maintained. Health authorities warn that illicit products without traceability can cause severe infections, serious allergic reactions, facial paralysis and irreversible damage.
Investigations are continuing to establish the full scale of the network and identify any further people involved in the illegal distribution and administration of these products. For more Catalonia-wide reporting, see our news coverage.
