A Spanish court has sentenced a businessman to four years and eight months in prison for importing counterfeit aesthetic devices from China and selling them as genuine branded products. The case underscores the legal risks for distributors and clinics that unknowingly purchase fake equipment, highlighting the importance of verified supply chains in the medical aesthetics industry.
Case details
The Second Section of the Provincial Court of Pontevedra convicted the Galician entrepreneur of continuous crimes against industrial property, falsification of commercial documents, and fraud. Between February 2015 and December 2016, the defendant imported facial treatment devices from China and marketed them as belonging to a well-known brand in the sector. The equipment was not original and lacked authorization from the trademark holder for distribution.
Scale of fraud
The court found that the businessman sold at least 15 of these counterfeit devices to aesthetic clinic owners across various regions of Spain. Each unit was delivered with labels, certificates, and documentation that replicated the registered brand's image, leading buyers to believe they were purchasing authentic products.
Detection and investigation
Irregularities emerged when several clients experienced operational problems with the devices and received no response from the supposed after-sales service. They then contacted the brand's licensed laboratories in Spain, which confirmed the equipment had not been manufactured or distributed by the company. The investigation also revealed that the defendant continued importing and selling the devices even after being formally ordered to stop.
Regulatory violations
The court established that the accused falsified European Conformity (CE) certificates and other technical documentation to create an appearance of legality and conceal the true origin of the products. This practice directly undermines the regulatory compliance expected in medical aesthetics supply chains.
Penalties and compensation
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered the defendant to pay compensation totaling €92,666 to the affected victims and an additional €30,000 to the trademark holder for moral damages. The ruling also mandates the seizure and destruction of all equipment confiscated during the investigation. The sentence is not final and may be appealed before the High Court of Justice of Galicia.
What buyers should watch
This case serves as a critical reminder for aesthetic clinics and distributors to verify the authenticity of devices through official channels. Buyers should request direct confirmation from trademark holders, check CE certification validity with notified bodies, and avoid suppliers that cannot provide verifiable after-sales support. Counterfeit equipment not only poses legal risks but also compromises patient safety and clinic reputation.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 04, 2026