Woman arrested in Dubai for offering unlicensed cosmetic treatments

A European woman has been arrested in Dubai for performing plastic surgeries in her apartment without obtaining a licence.

According to Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jallaf, Director of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Dubai Police, the suspect wasn't licenced to carry out surgeries and relied on experience obtained in her home country.

"The suspect was promoting her services through social media platforms," he said. "She used her own Instagram account that is followed by more than 100,000 followers to book appointments for patients and then receive them discreetly at her residential flat."

Brig. Al Jallaf pointed out that the suspect exploited the temporary closure of registered plastic surgery clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to receive patients in her flat.

The director of CID in Dubai warned members of the public against falling victims to online scammers who provide unlicenced services that could pose serious harm to the society.

He also urged social media users to ensure the validity and veracity of online advertisements, and "seek medical services from authorised medical outlets and professionals licensed by the competent local authorities".

Colonel Omar Mohammad bin Hammad, Deputy Director of Anti-Economic Crimes Department, said they raided the suspect's apartment after a female police officer posed as a prospective client.

"The police confiscated medical substances and equipment used in cosmetic surgeries, as well as bills proving the purchase of substances and materials used in cosmetic treatments such as Botox, fillers, and more," the officer added.