The Lashen chain has closed several clinics in Madrid, leaving numerous patients with incomplete treatments and thousands of euros lost. The police are investigating over 30 complaints of fraud.
The situation has become critical for hundreds of patients in Madrid following the sudden closure of the Lashen dental clinic chain. Since the news broke, more than 30 complaints have been filed with the National Police, who have launched an investigation into what many consider a massive fraud. Those affected report that they paid in advance for costly treatments that were never completed, leaving many with unresolved dental issues and large sums of money lost.
The testimonies are heartbreaking: some patients spent up to 14,000 euros on procedures such as dental implants and orthodontics that were never carried out. Despite the closure, many continue to pay the instalments on loans taken out to finance these treatments. "I feel trapped between the loan repayments and the lack of medical attention," comments one affected individual who prefers to remain anonymous.
Until just a few days before the closure, employees assured patients that everything was under control. "Don't worry, everything will be fine," they repeated while requesting advance payments. However, that confidence vanished when the doors closed without warning, leaving patients with incomplete treatments and no information on how to proceed.
The lack of communication has led many affected individuals to try to recover their medical records in order to take legal action or request refunds. Some have had to go accompanied by police officers to obtain their documentation. In response to the chaos generated, posters have been placed at the closed clinics informing how to request medical records and debt certificates via a specific email.
Additionally, a growing group of affected individuals has formed a joint platform to coordinate their claims and gather documentary evidence. So far, several hundred have joined the collective and continue to receive new cases almost daily.
Karim Lahsen, owner of the Lashen chain, has stated in local media that the clinics are in bankruptcy proceedings and he is trying to find solutions for those affected. In his defence, he claims: "I am doing everything humanly possible to help everyone." However, his version does not convince many affected individuals who have been waiting for promised treatments for months.
Lahsen attributes part of the problem to a complicated business situation due to personal family issues; however, this does not alleviate the accumulated frustration among those who expect to receive adequate dental care. Some complainants claim to have been waiting for up to 18 months for essential treatments such as prosthetics or extractions.
Meanwhile, suppliers are also demanding outstanding payments ranging from 20,000 to 75,000 euros, adding another layer to the financial drama caused by the unexpected closure of these clinics.
The affected individuals are organising to pursue collective legal actions and insist on the urgent need to seal the closed clinics to protect their medical records and prevent the disappearance of dental materials still present inside.
For those interested in claiming their rights or seeking additional information about their cases, they can write to the email provided by the Lashen chain: [email protected].
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