### Massachusetts Spa Owner Arrested for Allegedly Administering Counterfeit Botox and Falsely Claiming Medical Credentials
Rebecca Fadanelli, a 38-year-old spa owner from Stoughton, Massachusetts, has been taken into custody following a federal probe into her involvement with counterfeit Botox and skin fillers. Prosecutors accuse Fadanelli of smuggling fake cosmetic products into the U.S. and providing them to unaware customers while falsely asserting she held medical qualifications, including a degree from “Havard” [sic] and a license from the state’s “Estate Board.”
#### The Alleged Scheme
As per an affidavit from a Special Agent with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Fadanelli is said to have smuggled counterfeit Botox and skin fillers from countries like China and Brazil. Between November 2023 and March 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted at least six packages addressed to Fadanelli or her employees, which contained counterfeit injectable products branded as Botox, Sculptra, and Juvederm.
When packages sent to her spa began to be seized by CBP, Fadanelli reportedly rerouted the shipments to her residence and subsequently to other businesses and acquaintances in a bid to avoid detection. Nevertheless, she was apprehended while smuggling counterfeit drugs from Brazil upon her arrival at Boston’s Logan Airport. The confiscated items included counterfeit weight-loss products labeled as Ozempic, vials of Lidocaine, and various skin fillers.
Despite the interceptions, Fadanelli successfully smuggled some counterfeit items into her spa. Prosecutors assert that she transported the drugs into her establishment in a silver suitcase and a lunchbox, where she administered them to clients. On her website, she falsely claimed to be an aesthetician with an anatomy degree from “Havard” and to be licensed by the Massachusetts “Estate Board.” She also alleged to have received training in “advanced cosmetic procedures.”
#### Over 2,700 Illegal Injections
Fadanelli is said to have conducted more than 2,700 illegal injections from 2021 to 2024, accumulating over $900,000 from her operation. Sales records from her spa reveal that she performed 1,631 “Botox” injections, 95 “Sculptra” injections, and 990 injections of unspecified “filler.” However, records from legitimate manufacturers indicate there is no evidence that Fadanelli or her spa has ever acquired authentic products.
Investigators also executed an undercover operation where an agent acted as a client inquiring about Botox treatment. Fadanelli reportedly quoted the agent $450 for the service. Investigators collected video and photographic evidence of her performing injections, which prosecutors argue were counterfeit.
#### False Claims of Medical Credentials
Along with smuggling and administering counterfeit drugs, Fadanelli is alleged to have falsely claimed to be a registered nurse. Multiple clients and employees informed investigators that Fadanelli represented herself as a nurse, although she does not possess such a qualification. While she is a registered aesthetician, aestheticians are not authorized to administer injections or prescription medications.
When questioned by investigators, Fadanelli denied ever claiming to be a nurse or performing injections. However, when asked if she would like to revise her statement regarding evidence showing she had conducted such procedures, she maintained her denial.
#### Client Complaints and Legal Consequences
Several clients who received what they believed to be legitimate injections reported experiencing negative side effects, including bumps, tingling, and unsatisfactory cosmetic results. Fortunately, no severe infections or health complications have been reported.
In a press release about Fadanelli’s arrest, Acting United States Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua Levy criticized her actions, stating, “For years, Ms. Fadanelli allegedly put unsuspecting patients at risk by representing herself to be a nurse and then administering thousands of illegal, counterfeit injections. The deception alleged here is illegal, reckless, and potentially life-threatening.”
Fadanelli faces significant legal repercussions. For the charge of illegal importation, she could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, for each of the two charges related to knowingly selling or dispensing counterfeit drugs or devices, she could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
#### Conclusion
The case of Rebecca Fadanelli underscores the risks associated with counterfeit cosmetic products and the necessity of verifying the credentials of medical professionals. Clients seeking cosmetic enhancements should always ensure they are engaging with licensed and qualified practitioners who utilize legitimate, FDA-approved products. This case serves as a warning regarding the potential health hazards posed by unlicensed individuals administering counterfeit drugs and the legal ramifications for those who partake in such misleading activities.
