National Police have detained four people in Elche over an alleged fraud linked to aesthetic treatment and laser hair removal vouchers that were never fulfilled. The arrests follow a detailed investigation that identified 358 affected customers, who together lost 45,924 euros. Many clients had bought packages of multiple sessions, some valued at more than 300 euros, only for the clinic to close unexpectedly.

Officers discovered that management problems began when the original owner struggled with liquidity after aggressive seasonal promotions. He later sold the clinic to a woman who ran it with her partner, but the pair inherited a substantial debt tied to previously sold vouchers. According to witness statements, staff were instructed not to honour earlier packages and to offer excuses about equipment failures or staff absences.

Despite the financial difficulties, the new managers launched another campaign selling long-duration vouchers, some with expiry dates and discounts of up to 40%. Payments were reportedly taken in cash without proper receipts, and invoices created in the system were later deleted. Sales continued even on the day the clinic shut down, reinforcing police suspicions that the aim was to raise fast income.

A month after the closure, the previous administrator repurchased the business but was unable to take on the outstanding commitments. Only 31 of the 358 affected customers had filed complaints by the time the investigation concluded. The four suspects, three linked to management and one employee, have been placed before the courts in Elche on suspicion of continued fraud.