New details have emerged surrounding the death of Italian influencer Yulia Burtseva, who died earlier this month after undergoing a cosmetic surgery procedure while traveling in Russia. Authorities now allege that the individual who performed the operation did not possess a medical degree.
Burtseva, 38, died on January 4 after undergoing a buttock augmentation at a private clinic in Moscow. She was rushed to a hospital shortly after the procedure and later pronounced dead, with officials citing anaphylactic shock as the cause.
In the days following her death, Russian investigators opened a criminal case into the incident, citing suspected negligence connected to improper professional conduct. The case focuses on the clinic employee who carried out the surgery.
According to investigators, the surgeon allegedly admitted to performing the procedure without having formal medical qualifications. Authorities further claim that no allergy test was conducted prior to surgery, a critical step meant to identify potentially fatal reactions to medications or materials used during cosmetic procedures.
Investigators also allege that the suspect personally purchased and used the materials involved in the surgery rather than relying on clinic-approved medical supplies. The individual, who has been identified by authorities as a foreign national, has been placed under house arrest and formally charged with illegally practicing medicine resulting in death through negligence.
Burtseva had built a sizable online following, amassing more than 73,000 followers on Instagram, where she regularly shared content about her family life, including her marriage to her husband, Giuseppe, and moments with their young daughter. Her social media profiles indicated that she was living in Naples, Italy, at the time of her death.
Her final Instagram post appeared in early December, featuring a video of her daughter. On the morning of the surgery, she reportedly shared a short video from a well-known Moscow café, greeting the city shortly before heading to the clinic.
The case has reignited scrutiny around the safety of cosmetic procedures performed abroad, particularly at private clinics with limited oversight. Authorities continue to investigate whether additional individuals or the clinic itself may face further charges as the inquiry progresses.