Natalia Sacaliuc, the medical assistant suspected of involvement in the aesthetic procedure that led to the death of businesswoman Liubovi Babutchi, has been placed in pre-trial detention for 30 days. The court made this decision at the request of prosecutors, who claim that initial witnesses in the investigation concealed her involvement, attempting to mislead law enforcement authorities, IPN reports.

Prosecutor Stefan Ciuperca stated that the accused was not officially employed at the “Dr. Serebrova” salon, where the procedure took place, but she participated in performing it.

During the investigation, it was found that witnesses initially questioned either omitted or distorted essential information regarding the assistant’s role in the events.

"So far, investigators have identified a coordinated attempt to construct a false version of the events. The detained individual now holds the status of an accused person and refuses to make statements," Ciuperca said.

Currently, three individuals are facing charges in this case. Doctor Ecaterina Maniuc, suspected of administering anesthesia to the victim, has been placed under house arrest, while assistant Natalia Sacaliuc is now in pre-trial detention.

Meanwhile, the owner of the salon, Irina Borodkina, is reportedly in Ukraine, according to information provided by prosecutors.

"We are making all necessary efforts to complete the criminal investigation as soon as possible and to bring the case concerning the already identified individuals to court," the prosecutor stated.

The incident occurred at the end of January in a beauty salon in the capital, where Liubovi Babutchi had gone for an aesthetic procedure. Following the intervention, she lost her life.

The salon did not have the necessary authorizations to perform the medical procedures to which Liubovi Babutchi was subjected.