A Belgian-Israeli billionaire, Ehud Arye Laniado, has died after suffering a heart attack during a penis enlargement procedure at a private aesthetic clinic in Paris.
According to Ladbible, Laniado, a diamond dealer and owner of Omega Diamonds, collapsed while receiving penile injections intended to enhance size at the Saint-Honoré-Ponthieu clinic.
Two surgeons were involved in the procedure, including Guy H, a prominent cosmetic surgeon known for operating on wealthy clients.
Reports show Laniado had undergone similar procedures several times a year, spending tens of thousands of euros on treatments often carried out outside office hours.
French authorities opened an investigation into the death, initially considering manslaughter before shifting focus to failure to assist a person in danger, drug-related offences and practising medicine without a licence.
A source familiar with the probe told Le Parisien that the injection itself was ruled out as the cause of death. “The question remained why the surgeon made an initial call for help at 8pm, before a second call to the fire department two hours later,” the source said.
In court, the defence argued the emergency was not immediately clear, claiming Laniado complained of abdominal pain linked to an ulcer. “It’s easy to say in hindsight that the heart attack started there,” the source added.
The surgeon reportedly attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but Laniado could not be revived.
His lawyer later argued that the incident could have happened anywhere. “This cardiac incident could have happened even in a pizzeria. Would the pizza maker have been prosecuted in that case?” he asked.
On January 28, a Paris court suspended Guy H’s medical licence and sentenced him to 15 months in prison.
Another surgeon involved in the procedure received a 12-month suspended sentence.
Both doctors were banned from practising medicine and fined €50,000 and €20,000 respectively.
