Summary: Russian investigators have charged a clinic employee after Italian influencer Yulia Burtseva, 38, died on Jan. 4 following a buttock augmentation in Moscow. Authorities say she died of anaphylactic shock and opened a criminal case on Jan. 5 for suspected death by negligence; investigators allege the worker who performed the procedure may not have been a licensed doctor. The suspect—reported to be a native of Tajikistan—faces up to three years in prison, and investigators plan to seize medical records and run forensic tests.
Cosmetic Surgeon Charged After Italian Influencer Yulia Burtseva Dies Following Moscow Buttock Augmentation
Yulia Burtseva/InstagramYulia Burtseva
Russian authorities have charged a clinic employee who performed a buttock augmentation on Italian influencer Yulia Burtseva after she died on Jan. 4, reportedly from an anaphylactic reaction.
Investigation and Charges
According to reports from RIA Novosti, Kommersant and MSK1, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Moscow opened a criminal case on Jan. 5 on suspicion of causing death by negligence through improper performance of professional duties. Authorities say the clinic worker who carried out the procedure has been formally charged; a law enforcement source cited by RIA Novosti said the individual may not have held a medical degree.
Yulia Burtseva/InstagramYulia Burtseva
Local media identified the charged worker as a native of Tajikistan. Kommersant reported that, if convicted, the person could face up to three years in prison. Investigators have reportedly planned to seize the clinic’s medical records and conduct forensic examinations as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Who Yulia Burtseva Was
Burtseva, 38, was an Italy-based content creator who lived in Naples with her husband, Giuseppe, and their young daughter. She had more than 73,000 followers on Instagram and often shared family moments and lifestyle content. Her last visible Instagram post was on Dec. 5, when she uploaded a video featuring her daughter.
Yulia Burtseva/InstagramYulia Burtseva
MSK1 also reported that Burtseva posted a short video to VK the morning of the procedure, filmed at Cafe Pushkin in Moscow with the caption overlay, "Good morning Moscow😘." After the news of her death, followers left condolences under her final Instagram post.
Context and Next Steps
Russian outlets covering the case cited statements and documents from investigative authorities and local reporting. The probe will focus on whether the procedure was performed by a qualified professional and whether negligence contributed to Burtseva’s death. Forensic results and seized medical records will be key to determining whether charges lead to prosecution.
Note on Reporting
This article summarizes reports from RIA Novosti, Kommersant, MSK1 and related local coverage. Authorities have opened a criminal investigation, and the situation remains subject to official findings and potential legal proceedings.
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