Two women from Georgia have been arrested in Vienna on suspicion of running an illegal cosmetic clinic in a rented apartment.

The women were detained on October 19 while allegedly providing services to clients. Investigators suspect they performed injections and other cosmetic procedures without the necessary authorizations, The Caspian Post reports, citing the Vienna city press office.

During a search authorized by the public prosecutor's office, law enforcement officers found ampoules containing botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid, prescription painkillers, syringes and other medical supplies, as well as several thousand euros in cash.

The women are accused of practicing medicine without authorization and violating immigration laws.

Austrian law enforcement officials note that clandestine cosmetic and surgical clinics operating out of rented apartments have become a persistent underground business. According to the officials, such procedures are frequently performed by immigrant doctors from Eastern European countries who lack legal authorization to practice medicine within the EU.