Health Alert: "Operation Lips" Dismantles Massive Illegal Medical Network Across Spain

The Spanish Guardia Civil, in coordination with the National Tax Agency (AEAT), has dismantled a sophisticated criminal organization specializing in illegal aesthetic procedures. The network targeted residents and expats seeking lower-cost treatments, operating a chain of unlicensed clinics and clandestine "pop-up" centers in Malaga, Marbella, Madrid, Barcelona, and Pamplona.

The Arrest in Malaga

The investigation culminated this week with the arrest of the network’s primary owner at Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport as she attempted to flee the country. Authorities have charged the leadership with crimes against public health, fraud, professional intrusion, and membership in a criminal organization. During coordinated raids, officers seized over 1,500 vials of unregulated substances, including black-market Botox and hyaluronic acid, which lacked the required European safety certifications.

"Skin Outward" vs. "Skin Inward" Regulations

This case highlights a critical legal distinction in Spanish law that many foreign patients are unaware of:

• Skin Outward Activities: Hairdressers, beauty salons, and spas are only legally permitted to perform non-invasive treatments that do not break the skin, such as facials, waxing, or manicures.
• Skin Inward Procedures: Any treatment involving needles—including Botox, dermal fillers, or mesotherapy—is strictly classified as a "medical act." By law, these can only be performed by a registered doctor in a facility that holds a specific U.48 license for aesthetic medicine.

Serious Risks of Clandestine Treatments

Medical experts estimate that up to 15% of all aesthetic medical activity in Spain is now dedicated to correcting complications caused by non-medical personnel. Victims of this illegal network reported a range of severe health issues:

• Permanent Disfigurement: Lumps, facial asymmetry, and partial paralysis caused by injections into incorrect muscle groups or blood vessels.
• Severe Infections: Caused by the use of non-sterile environments, such as hotel rooms or back offices of hair salons, and the use of contaminated substances.
• Systemic Reactions: Many patients suffered allergic reactions to "black market" products that contained unknown industrial additives or preservatives.

How to Protect Yourself in 2026

Authorities are urging the expat community to verify their practitioners before booking any injectable treatment. Follow these three steps to ensure your safety:

1. Check the "Colegiado" Number: Every legitimate doctor in Spain has a unique registration number. You can verify this online through the portal of the Organización Médica Colegial (OMC) and also via our app if you become a member.
2. Inspect the U.48 License: A legitimate clinic must prominently display their regional health authority registration (Autorización Sanitaria), specifically the U.48 code for aesthetic medicine.
3. Refuse "Pop-up" Services: Never accept medical treatments in private homes, hotels, or mobile units. In Spain, all medical acts must be performed in a permanent, inspected clinical setting.

If you have undergone a procedure and suspect your practitioner was not a qualified doctor, or if you are experiencing persistent pain and inflammation, seek medical attention immediately at a public hospital (Urgencias) and report the facility to the Guardia Civil (SEPRONA) or your local medical college.