More suspects detained in probe of illegal Botox and filler imports

North Macedonia's fight against illicit cosmetic procedures has intensified with the arrest of three more individuals, including two doctors, as part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal import and use of counterfeit Botox and fillers. The organized crime prosecution announced the expanded probe, which now implicates four new suspects facing charges related to criminal association and industrial property rights violations.

The investigation, initially targeting 17 individuals and six companies in April, has broadened its scope. Searches conducted recently in Skopje, including two health facilities, yielded evidence against the four new suspects. The prosecution stated that three are accused of "criminal association" and "violation of industrial property rights and unauthorized use of a company name," while the fourth faces charges for "violation of industrial property rights and unauthorized use of a company name."

Judicial measures have been imposed on all four suspects at the request of the public prosecutor, though the specific measures remain undisclosed. The initial arrests in April led to the detention of 14 people, including doctors from Skopje's "8th September" City General Hospital and the University Clinic for Dermatology, as well as owners of private dermatology clinics. These individuals are suspected of organizing the transport and distribution of illegally imported medicines and medical devices.

During the April operation, authorities seized a substantial amount of medical supplies, including fillers, Botox, and hyaluronic acid, along with foreign currency totaling 39,285 euros, 2,490 Swiss francs, and 26,000 Macedonian denars. A Porsche vehicle, perfumes, and mobile phones were also confiscated, highlighting the scale of the illicit operation.