Botox treatment (archive photo)
Photo: AP
Beware of fake botox
Con artist distributes fake botox, penile erectile dysfunction treatments on internet; I didn't know it was illegal, he says
If you are planning on getting any botox treatments for reducing wrinkles, make sure to have it done at a licensed and certified doctor.
Police suspect that Mario Patlewicz, a 44-year-old resident of the Galilee, has distributed millions of shekels worth of fake botox products in Israel and overseas. The products could cause severe damage and even death.
The case began a couple of months ago when Patlewicz, who is not licensed to distribute drugs, called a large British drug company and offered to sell them a large quantity of Cialis, erectile dysfunction tablets.
The company purchased the pills, only to find out that they were fake. They filed a complaint with the Israel Police.
In collaboration with the police the company continued to work with Patlewicz and set up a business meeting at a coffee shop in Tel Aviv. During the meeting, Patlewicz offered to sell botox to the undercover policewoman who was impersonating a company representative.
A special police unit that combats intellectual property theft arrested him and searched his flat. They found ampoules of fake botox and hundreds of original botox packages that, according to suspicions, Patlewicz planned to distribute the fake substance in. The police officers were warned not to touch the substance as it could contain toxins.
The investigation has revealed that Patlewicz manufactured the fake botox and erectile dysfunction medication in China and Israel and distributed them around the world over the internet.
The police suspect that he received payment in cash and deposited it in various banks around the world.
Patlewicz admitted to trading the products but claimed he was not aware that it was illegal. His remand has been extended three days and the Health Ministry has been updated on the case.
