# Illegal aesthetic product investigations in Moldova and Mont > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-aesthetic-product-investigations-in-moldova-and-mont > Updated: 2026-10-02T06:41:58.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 6. Authorities in Moldova and Montenegro have launched investigations into the illegal distribution and use of prohibited aesthetic products. In Moldova, police and prosecutors conducted raids on medical centers and beauty salons, seizing illegal substances including botulinum toxin and human or animal-derived exosomes. These products are banned in Moldova and the European Union. Law enforcement also confiscated over two million lei in unaccounted cash and documents suggesting double-entry bookkeeping. Officials warned that these unauthorized products pose “significant health risks” to consumers. In Podgorica, Montenegro, the investigation into illegal aesthetic treatments has escalated after several women were hospitalized with botulism. The victims were treated at the KCCG Infectious Diseases Clinic after receiving injections of Dysport, a product containing botulinum toxin type A, which was reportedly obtained through illegal channels. The Montenegrin Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (CInMED) warned that biological products require a strict “cold chain” for temperature-controlled transport to ensure safety, noting that counterfeit versions of Dysport have been identified in countries including the UK, Poland, and Norway. Police arrested two suspects: 44-year-old Ukrainian citizen Yulia Kushnereva (J.K.) and 41-year-old Montenegrin citizen Dražen Lakićević (D.L.). While the Montenegrin Ministry of Education and Science recognized Kushnereva’s medical diploma from Kyiv, the Medical Chamber of Montenegro condemned her actions, stating that diploma recognition does not equate to a local license to practice. The Chamber further alleged she had been performing such activities illegally for at least three years. Despite accusations of quackery, the Basic Court in Podgorica rejected prosecution proposals to seize Kushnereva’s passport or impose police supervision, ruling there is currently no substantiated suspicion of quackery due to her recognized degree. ## Claims - Several patients were hospitalized at the Clinical Center of Montenegro after receiving botulinum toxin injections. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Sanitary Inspection has issued a decision banning the facility from continuing its activities. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Police arrested a 44-year-old Ukrainian citizen and a 41-year-old Montenegrin citizen in connection with the incident. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Ukrainian national is suspected of committing serious crimes against human health and practicing medicine without authorization. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Montenegrin national is suspected of illegal trade and the production and sale of harmful products. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Authorities suspect that a counterfeit or improper preparation, falsely labeled as Dysport, was used. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-02: Montenegro investigation stalls over missing medical substance Montenegrin authorities have yet to provide the suspicious medical substance used on two women with botulism symptoms to CInMED for testing, as the investigation into potential counterfeit botox continues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-investigation-stalls-over-missing-suspicious-injectable-substance ### 2026-09-29: Montenegro health alert after illegal botox injections cause botulism Several women in Montenegro developed botulism after receiving illegal Dysport injections from an unlicensed practitioner, prompting warnings from health authorities regarding counterfeit medicines. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-health-alert-after-illegal-botox-injections-cause-botulism ### 2026-09-28: Podgorica court rejects measures against Ukrainian woman in botox case A Podgorica court rejected measures against Ukrainian citizen Julija Kušnareva following a botox-related botulism incident, despite the Medical Chamber's condemnation of her unlicensed practice. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prva-banka-crne-gore-sues-vladislav-dajkovi-for-defamation ### 2026-09-26: Podgorica police arrest two for suspected quackery and illegal toxin trade Two people were arrested in Podgorica for suspected quackery and illegal trade after patients sought medical help following treatments involving suspected botulinum toxin. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/podgorica-police-arrest-two-for-suspected-quackery-and-illegal-toxin-trade ### 2026-09-24: Podgorica police arrest two after illegal botox injections hospitalize women Two people were arrested in Podgorica after several women were hospitalized due to illegal aesthetic treatments using suspected counterfeit botulinum toxin. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/podgorica-police-arrest-two-over-suspected-illegal-botulinum-toxin-treatments ### 2026-09-24: Moldova police seize illegal aesthetic products worth millions Moldovan police seized over three million lei worth of illegal aesthetic products, including banned botulinum toxin and exosomes, during raids on medical centers and beauty salons. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-police-seize-illegal-aesthetic-products-worth-millions --- Cite as: Illegal aesthetic product investigations in Moldova and Mont. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-aesthetic-product-investigations-in-moldova-and-mont