Police investigate whether family of deceased patient ordered murder of surgeon in Marbella
Detectives are examining whether the family of a Colombian patient who died following cosmetic surgery ordered the attack on Dr Alexander Aslani, a plastic surgeon murdered at his clinic on Wednesday.
Investigation into hired killing in plastic surgeon's death
Police investigating the murder of plastic surgeon Alexander Aslani in Marbella are examining whether the shooting was ordered by the family of a patient who died after undergoing a procedure at his clinic, according to The Olive Press.
The German-born doctor was shot on Wednesday evening at his Cirumed clinic. An 18-year-old Swedish man, linked to the Stockholm criminal gang Shottaz, was arrested on suspicion of carrying out the murder.
Suspects and motives under analysis
Investigators believe the detained teenager, currently imprisoned without the right to bail, may have acted on behalf of a dissatisfied client or someone in their close circle. According to El Mundo and El Debate, detectives are now examining the family of a Colombian patient who died after undergoing surgery at Aslani's clinic.
The relatives were apparently furious with the explanations given by the medical centre and allegedly held Aslani directly responsible for her death. Investigators are exploring whether their anger could have provided a motive for revenge, although there is no public evidence establishing a link between the family and the murder.
Other disputes under investigation
A separate dispute with a Saudi woman who underwent a Brazilian buttock enlargement is also being examined. She was allegedly unsatisfied with the result and requested a refund of approximately £17,000, which she did not receive. According to Okdiario, the woman fled the country with her wealthy partner, who allegedly sent intimidating messages and visited the clinic to "issue warnings to staff".
It remains unclear whether any of these disputes are connected to the murder.
Documented previous threats
A recent investigation revealed that Aslani went to police in April after receiving direct threats linked to his professional work. According to Diario Sur, the surgeon filed a formal complaint months before his death, adding another significant lead for investigators probing whether the murder was ordered by someone with a grievance against him.
Disciplinary history in United Kingdom
Dr Aslani, 57, had not been authorised to practise medicine in the United Kingdom since 2016. He was subject to extensive work restrictions following a scathing performance review in 2012 that identified "deficiencies" in six areas of his practice, including record-keeping, prescriptions, patient assessment, patient consent, "working within limits" and postoperative care.
The General Medical Council also imposed 14 additional restrictions before the doctor resigned his licence four years later.
Incident details
Aslani was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head shortly after 18:00 on Wednesday after a masked gunman entered the clinic and opened fire. According to reports, the alleged hitman fled the scene by motorbike following the shooting, with investigators believing he may have received assistance from an accomplice who provided transport, accommodation and crucial information about Aslani's movements.
The 18-year-old Swedish suspect, reportedly of sub-Saharan origin, was arrested in Benalmádena on Thursday less than 24 hours after the murder. He is being investigated for his alleged links to the criminal gang Shottaz. The young man remains in custody without bail, although he has repeatedly denied being the person who fired the fatal shots.
Source: The Olive Press