In a major operation dubbed "Operation Bayam," the Guardia Civil have arrested a man in Lanzarote on charges of manslaughter, with another under investigation. The suspects, aged between 55 and 60, are implicated in an alleged case of reckless manslaughter connected to a notorious clinic in Costa Teguise used by residents and holidaymakers. There are also additional charges against several others at the same facility, which include professional misconduct, breach of confidentiality, and fraud.
The investigation started on February 19th when a local resident filed a complaint at the Costa Teguise police station, reporting several alleged crimes at a well-known clinic in the area. This led to a thorough investigation aimed at clarifying the claims, gathering evidence, verifying the authenticity of the reported offences, and identifying those responsible.
As a result of the inquiry, five people were detained for professional misconduct, one for breach of confidentiality, one for fraud, and another was arrested, while one more was investigated for alleged manslaughter. All were employees of the health centre.
After analysing various documents and statements from numerous victims and witnesses, the Guardia Civil in Costa Teguise, requested assistance from other police units.
The investigation revealed that clinic staff performing nursing duties lacked the necessary qualifications and licences to operate in Spain, which includes the Canary Islands. Some were only certified as clinical auxiliaries, while others had no credentials at all, yet they continued their duties with the approval of the clinic's managers.
Further crimes were identified, including fraud amounting to thousands of euros and breach of confidentiality. Surgical procedures at the clinic were irregularly billed, with charges of more than twice the stipulated cost. These surgeries were performed by inadequately trained personnel, endangering patient’s health.
Additionally, the uncontrolled dissemination of sensitive medical data through a popular messaging platform constituted a breach of confidentiality, predominantly affecting women.
During the investigation, it was found that one of the suspects, who is unauthorised to provide home care, attended a medical emergency at a hotel in Costa Teguise. Despite lacking the necessary technical and human training, he transported the patient in a private ambulance to their clinic, resulting in the patient's death, a case of professional negligence.
In light of these findings, international cooperation has been sought from the UOPJ of Las Palmas and the German Police to further investigate the reported offences, classified as manslaughter due to professional negligence.
The Guardia Civil's Investigation Unit of Costa Teguise had requested authorisation from the Arrecife Courts to search the clinic and a related company in Madrid.
They have seized extensive documentation, which is currently being analysed in collaboration with the EDITE specialists of the Guardia Civil of Las Palmas. Further arrests in connection with this operation remain a possibility. The case and the detainees have been forwarded to the Arrecife Court of Duty.
