Vienna authorities uncover another illegal beauty clinic

Vienna authorities uncovered an illegal beauty clinic in a short-term rental in the Mariahilf district, where two people allegedly carried out unauthorised procedures. ORF reported that the discovery came during inspections on Sunday.

Officers seized syringes, products including Botox and hyaluronic acid, prescription painkillers and thousands of euros in cash. No customers were present. During a search ordered by the public prosecutor, police found numerous used syringes and pads, and confiscated the products.

The two people found at the rental, a 54-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman from Georgia, were not authorised to perform medical procedures. Police said they were taken to a station for questioning and further checks over alleged immigration violations. The Vienna public prosecutor’s office ordered that reports be filed against them, but they remain at liberty.

The discovery brings to 11 the number of illegal beauty clinics uncovered in Vienna, said Walter Hillerer, head of the city’s Group of Immediate Measures. He warned that medical treatments carried out without the required qualifications pose significant health risks.

The clinic was found during a wider “Safe Vienna” operation involving police, financial inspectors, city parks staff, waste inspectors and the market authority. Teams checked 24 businesses, as well as hygiene and cleanliness in parks and public spaces and compliance with shop opening rules. The municipal authorities issued 29 reports, while police issued six, including reports related to unlicensed medical practice, drugs and immigration law. Five people were provisionally arrested during the operation, including three over immigration offences.