The owner of a French breast implant maker at the centre of a safety scare has been arrested in southern France. Jean-Claude Mas, whose company used low-grade industrial silicone to make the implants, was taken into custody at his home in Six-Fours-les-Plages, in the south of France.
According to the Sky News, more than 40,000 women across the UK received PIP implants which were filled with non-medical grade silicone intended for use in mattresses. France banned PIP implants made with low-grade industrial silicone, amid fears they could rupture and leak 2012.
The official was speaking on condition of anonymity as the case is now officially in the hand of judicial investigators. Police say they are searching the residence. According to UK agencies (MHRA and IHAS), the implants are not more likely to rupture than other types. But the scare itself is certainly recognised to be a cause of anxiety.
PIP director Claude Couty was also arrested, and police were searching the homes of both men. Mas remains at his home while police search it – as required by French law. Women who had the implants privately will need to speak to their clinic to see if they will also replace them free.
There are 20 cases of cancer, 16 of which are breast cancer, have been reported in women fitted with PIP implants in France. Around six PIP managers, including Mas, will face a Marseille court later this year for fraud and deceptive business practices.
