Uncovering a Major Scam Involving Aesthetic Clinics in the Canaries
What began as a complaint from a customer in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has revealed an alleged scam affecting 172 individuals across the Canary Islands. The National Police have concluded an investigation into several aesthetic treatment and laser hair removal clinics, whose operators continued to sell services and charge clients despite being aware that the facilities could not fulfil the contracted treatments.
Common Pattern Emerges
The investigation commenced in October 2025, prompted by a woman who reported that she had booked various treatments at an aesthetic clinic in Las Palmas that abruptly closed shortly after, without delivering the agreed services. Following this initial report, numerous complaints from other customers came to light, allowing investigators to identify a consistent modus operandi. Their inquiries revealed that 172 individuals in Gran Canaria and Tenerife had been affected by the closure of establishments associated with the same company.
According to the National Police, the operators continued to offer and market beauty and laser hair removal treatments while the company faced a financially precarious situation that made it impossible to provide the contracted services.
Payments Received but Services Not Delivered
The investigation suggests that the company had accumulated unpaid rent and salary debts while simultaneously attracting new customers and generating income through advance sales of treatments. Consequently, dozens of clients paid significant sums or financed treatments that they ultimately never received. Among those affected, at least 40 individuals could not enjoy any of the sessions they had booked, despite having completed the necessary payments. The officers believe that customers were misled into contracting services that were purportedly known to be unfeasible under the agreed conditions.
Five Individuals Identified
The operation has resulted in the investigation of the sole administrator of the company and its managing director, both aged between 40 and 50, as the alleged responsible parties. Additionally, three other individuals have been identified for their potential involvement in managing the clinics and the activities under investigation.
The National Police emphasise that the complexity of the case extends beyond the island. The existence of several companies linked to the same administrator and the possibility of affected individuals in various parts of the country have led to the case being handed over to the Audiencia Nacional. This judicial body will be responsible for continuing the proceedings of a case that could expand to other territories and increase the number of victims as the investigation progresses.
