Cases involving “counterfeit” products in aesthetic medicine

Large-scale searches: investigating judges are increasingly authorising searches of manufacturers, warehouses, private clinics, cosmetology offices, and specialists’ residences.

Legal qualification under the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• Part 2 of Article 321-1 — manufacture, transportation, storage for the purpose of sale, and sale of knowingly counterfeit medicinal products.
• Part 1 of Article 209 — legalisation (laundering) of property obtained through criminal means.

The prosecution’s evidence may include:

• Distribution network: a full cycle from production and packaging to training, advertising, and sales.
• Products and peptides: weight-loss and anti-ageing products, including Biopatid, Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, Biopell, NAD+, BPC-157, TB-500, and pellets.
• State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control prohibition: an official ban on use due to the absence of state registration in Ukraine.
• Investigative documentation: more than 12 episodes have been recorded, including test purchases, chemical examinations, and seizure of correspondence.

Risks for clinics and cosmetologists:

• Legal characterisation of conduct: purchasing, storing, and administering unregistered products may be treated as the sale of counterfeit products.
• Seizure of property: there is a risk of losing inventory, phones, computers, draft notes, cash, and documentation.

Legal defence:

• Urgent attendance during a search: monitoring investigators’ actions, ensuring compliance with the scope of the court order, and protecting property from unjustified seizure.
• Return of property: challenging in court the seizure of equipment, funds, and licensing documents.
• Preventive audit: review of source documents, certificates, supplier agreements, and patient consents.
• Representation during interrogations: preparation of management and staff, as well as direct legal protection during investigative actions.

Contact us for a consultation or to arrange 24/7 legal defence services.

📞 Call: 096 574 81 02
📧 Email: info@uk-winner.com

Author: Ihor Yasko, Managing Partner at WINNER Law Firm, PhD in Law.