Two plastic surgeons in Paris have been suspended following the death of a billionaire businessman who suffered a fatal heart attack during a penis enlargement procedure.
The incident involved Ehud Arye Laniado, a 65-year-old Belgian-Israeli billionaire and founder of Omega Diamonds. According to reports by Le Parisien, Laniado collapsed while receiving injections at the Saint-Honoré-Ponthieu clinic in March 2019.
Emergency services were first contacted around 8 p.m. after Laniado complained of abdominal pain. Despite his discomfort, the businessman—who was known to be a regular client at the clinic—opted to proceed with the cosmetic procedure. About two hours later, emergency responders were called again after he suffered a cardiac arrest, which later proved fatal.
Investigators initially examined the lead surgeon, identified only as Guy H., for manslaughter. However, prosecutors later revised the charges to failure to assist a person in danger, drug-related offences, and practising medicine without proper authorisation. Authorities also discovered that Laniado had been using substances banned in France, including drugs intended to treat erectile dysfunction.
An autopsy later confirmed that the cause of death was cardiac hypertrophy. A search of Laniado’s hotel room reportedly uncovered several prohibited substances and vasodilators, which judicial sources believe may have contributed to his condition.
Further investigations revealed that the assistant surgeon involved in the procedure was not registered with the French Medical Association, despite having worked in France for more than two decades. Her medical qualifications obtained in Algeria were also not recognised by French authorities.
As a result, Guy H. was handed a 15-month suspension, while the assistant surgeon received a 12-month suspension. Both were fined, with penalties amounting to €50,000 and €20,000 respectively.
Reacting to the ruling, Guy H.’s lawyer described the decision as measured, arguing that the death was accidental and that efforts to assign blame were unnecessary.
