# Unregulated aesthetic clinic crisis in Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/unregulated-aesthetic-clinic-crisis-in-colombia
> Updated: 2026-09-06T18:02:17.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

Health authorities in Nariño initially issued warnings against the use of illegal or clandestine aesthetic clinics. Officials noted that these unauthorized establishments, which often operate out of private homes or garages, pose severe risks including infections, anesthesia overdoses, bleeding, and thromboembolism. Authorities urged citizens to use only officially registered institutions with accredited professionals.

Following these warnings, fatalities linked to unregulated beauty procedures were reported in Bogotá and Pasto. In Bogotá, a woman died after a bichectomy at a facility only authorized for outpatient services in general medicine, dermatology, and psychology. Data from Bogotá indicates a significant rise in complications, with infections increasing by 143% and ICU admissions by 123% in 2025 compared to the previous year. In Pasto, a young woman died following a procedure at Romanos Spa, with preliminary investigations suggesting a possible intestinal perforation.

In September 2026, Bogotá authorities arrested Esteban Felipe Henao and Ruth Verónica Lengua for allegedly posing as surgeons to perform invasive procedures at a facility in the Usaquén locality. The group reportedly used social media and low pricing to target victims, performing surgeries such as liposuction and rhinoplasty without professional credentials, medical records, or proper anesthesia. Investigations indicate more than 200 people were affected, with 59 identified victims having paid over 568 million pesos. Some victims reported experiencing severe pain and were allegedly prevented from screaming during surgery. Police seized fraudulent diplomas and various medical supplies during the operation.

## Claims

- The 'Escudo de la Sabana' operation dismantled the criminal groups 'Los Rápidos' and 'Los Pinchallantas' in Cundinamarca. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- More than 54% of violent thefts against pedestrians occur during the early morning hours. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Motorcycle theft via the 'halado' method increased by 64.2% in major residential areas. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Criminal attacks are concentrated on weekends in the sectors of Kennedy, Bosa, and Suba. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Extortion reports against small merchants increased during the first half of the year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The National Police of Colombia captured 665 criminals during a seven-day operation in Bogotá. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Detainees include members of criminal organizations involved in selective homicide and extortion. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Seventeen individuals were arrested for participating in highway robberies and kidnappings in Cundinamarca. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The group 'Los Rápidos' used a fake ambulance to simulate accidents to intercept drivers. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The group 'Los Pinchallantas' used spikes and nails to puncture vehicle tires on highways. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A young woman named Johana Meneses died in Pasto following a beauty procedure at Romanos Spa, with preliminary reports suggesting an intestinal perforation. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Two individuals, Esteban Felipe Henao and Ruth Verónica Lengua, were arrested in Bogotá for performing illegal aesthetic surgeries. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Colombia security forces dismantle ELN cell, highway gangs, and illegal medical ring

Colombian authorities have dismantled several criminal networks, including ELN members in Cesar, highway robbery gangs in Cundinamarca, and an illegal medical surgery ring in Bogotá.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bogot-authorities-arrest-two-individuals-for-illegal-medical-surgeries

### 2026-08-31: Colombia aesthetic procedure deaths reported in Bogotá and Pasto

Fatalities linked to unregulated aesthetic procedures have been reported in Bogotá and Pasto, Colombia, amid rising rates of medical complications and illegal clinic closures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-aesthetic-procedure-deaths-reported-in-bogot-and-pasto

### 2026-08-26: Nariño health authorities warn against illegal aesthetic clinics

Health authorities in Nariño, Colombia, are warning against illegal aesthetic clinics in Pasto, citing risks of infection, overdose, and death from unauthorized surgical procedures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nario-health-authorities-warn-against-illegal-aesthetic-clinics

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Cite as: Unregulated aesthetic clinic crisis in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/unregulated-aesthetic-clinic-crisis-in-colombia