The Health Care Regulatory and Health Care (MHRA) warning criminals to deal with prison as it breaks illegal trade in unauthorized toxin products from non -licensed toxin products, which is usually referred to as Botox, used in cosmetic procedures.
MHRA’s criminal enforcement unit launched a series of criminal investigations after a pin on hospital imports believed to be linked to the use of unauthorized Botulinum toxin products.
Between June 4 and August 6, 2025, 41 confirmed cases were reported-a rare but possibly life-threatening situation that is causing paralysis in various areas of England, including northeast, eastern Midland, East of England and Northwestern and North.
The criminal enforcement unit has seen evidence that some sellers and professionals – often non -trained – acquire illegally unauthorized toxin products and offered illegal injections in unsafe, non -regulated arrangements. Therapies are delivered to informal arrangements, such as household bedrooms and kitchens, hairdressers and through mobile beauty services. Public members are often dragged by advertising to social media that promise quickly, cheap results.
The criminal enforcement unit is investigating the illegal trade of these products. Anyone who fish the sale or supply of unauthorized Botulinum toxin faces up to two years in prison and unlimited fines in accordance with human drug regulations 2012.
Andy Morling, head of MHRA’s criminal enforcement unit, said:
“Criminals are exploiting the popularity of cosmetic treatments by producing dangerous, non -licensed products, making profit before security.
“Anyone involved in the offer of unauthorized Botulinum toxin – either through organized networks or through informal sales from kitchen tables, hairdressers or through social media – violates the law and endangers lives.
“We are working across the country to identify those responsible, take advantage of illegal products and bring cases to court. We use the full range of our powers and imposition techniques to close these businesses and bring violators to justice.”
This repression is part of MHRA’s broader work to disrupt the illegal supply of botulinum toxin. Since May 2023, the criminal enforcement unit, which has been working closely with its associates on border power, has occupied more than 4,700 vials of unauthorized Botulinum toxin both on the border and interior.
Almost all seized products from South Korea, including brands such as Botulax, Rentoox, Innotox and Toxpia, which have not been approved for sale in the United Kingdom.
The criminal enforcement unit is also working with social media companies to abolish illegal entries and the disturbance of criminal networks advertising the unauthorized botulinum toxin.
Understanding the health risks
The post -war botulinum toxin in cosmetic procedures is rare, but it may be life -threatening. Symptoms can take up to four weeks to grow and may include difficulty swallowing, speech and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation and intensive treatment treatment.
Anyone who has recently received a Botulinum toxin treatment and develops any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately through NHS 111 or emergency services.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said:
“No one should have a serious illness or risk their lives because criminals are flooding the market with unsafe products.
“This government is determined to break the cosmetic cowboys that exploit vulnerable consumers seeking remedies outside the appropriate medical arrangements.
“I would like to urge anyone examining a cosmetic process to examine the dangers and find a reliable, insured and specialized trainee.”
MHRA Security Director Dr. Alison Cave said:
“Public security is a top priority for Botulinum MHRA toxin is a prescription medicine only and should be sold or provided only according to a prescription given by a suitable prescription, such as a doctor or other specialized healthcare professional.
“The Botulinum toxin market in any other conditions significantly increases the risk of getting a product that is either falsified or has no license in the United Kingdom. This means that there are no guarantees to ensure that the products meet MHRA standards for quality and safety.
“If you are offered toxin botulinum without medical consultation, in an informal environment or at a price significantly below the usual rates, this must be treated as a warning sign.
How to protect yourself and report concerns
Botulinum botulinum toxin products undergo strict tests and quality controls to ensure that they contain the right active ingredient in safe concentrations. Legal treatments should only be conducted in appropriate clinical environments with proper emergency equipment and should be prescribed for individual patients either directly or in a specific patient direction (PSD).
Before any treatment, make sure your practitioner is properly trained and specialized. Check that the products used are licensed in the United Kingdom requesting to see packaging and control of lots. Be suspicious of unusual cheap prices, treatments offered in domestic arrangements or professionals who cannot provide the appropriate credentials.
MHRA encourages anyone experiencing side effects or complications after a cosmetic procedure to report them through the yellow card plan to https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.
Notes for publishers
- This follows the security reports published by the British Health Organization of 41 confirmed cases between June 4 and August 6, 2025 in areas throughout England.
- The Regulatory Organization of Medicines and Health Care (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the United Kingdom ensuring that they work and are acceptable safe. All our work is supported by strong and crisis -based facts to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
- MHRA is an executive service of the Ministry of Health and Social Care.
- For media questions, contact newscentre@mhra.gov.uk or call 020 3080 7651.
