Criminal investigations launched as part of crackdown on unlicensed Botox

Criminal investigations have been launched as part of a crackdown on unlicensed Botox products, the medicines regulator said after it found untrained sellers offering treatments in bedrooms and kitchens.

The Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulator Agency (MHRA) said it launched a number of investigations following a spike in hospital admissions believed to be linked to the use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products, often referred to as Botox.

Dozens of cases of botulism were confirmed over the summer, with people left “seriously ill” as a result.

Botulism is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition which can cause paralysis.

Between June 4 and August 6, there were 41 confirmed cases of botulism reported across the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber.

The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit reported that it has seen evidence of some practitioners, who are often untrained, obtaining unlicensed botulinum toxin products illegally and offering injections in “unsafe, unregulated settings”.

This includes bedrooms, kitchens, hair salons and through mobile beauty services.

It said that people are often “lured in by adverts on social media promising quick, cheap results”.

The regulator warned that anyone caught selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin faces up to two years in prison and unlimited fines.

Andy Morling, head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said: “Criminals are exploiting the popularity of cosmetic treatments by peddling dangerous, unlicensed products, putting profit before safety.

“Anyone involved in the supply of unlicensed botulinum toxin – whether through organised networks or informal sales from kitchen tables, hair salons, or via social media – is breaking the law and endangering lives.

“The 41 individuals we’ve seen between June and August left seriously ill represent the devastating human cost of this trade.

“We are working across the country to identify those responsible, seize illegal products, and bring cases to court.

“We use the full range of our enforcement powers and techniques to shut down these operations and bring offenders to justice.”