A group of men have been jailed after police discovered they were carrying out extreme body modifications and illegal surgeries on vulnerable people.
The criminal network, made up of seven men, left several victims with profound mental health issues as a result of brutal and illegal surgical procedures. Specialist Metropolitan Police detectives uncovered the horrendous crimes after a victim was first identified by Devon and Cornwall Police in November 2020. It was then found that the offending had taken place in North London.
Marius Theodore Gustavson, 46, of Haringey, North London, was identified by detectives as the primary offender following a lengthy and complex investigation. Gustavson was jailed today along with six other men. He received a life sentence, with a minimum tariff of 22 years. The court heard how the ringleader used the internet as a tool to seek out and manipulate vulnerable people, before coercing them to take part in the illegal procedures.
A search of Gustavson’s address found various items, including:
- Boxes of medical needles and syringes,
- Local anaesthetic packs,
- Surgical tools,
- A wooden chopping board and a mallet,
- A body board with leg and arm restraints attached,
- Disposable skin staplers,
- Numerous medical procedure videos linked to Gustavson’s digital devices.
All seven men were jailed today, Thursday, May 9, for a total of 79 years after a hearing at the Old Bailey.
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Gustavson, 46, was identified by detectives as being the primary offender (Met Police)
Peter Wates, 67, was jailed for 12 years (Met Police)Detective Inspector Amanda Greig, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “I would like to highlight the excellent work of the Met’s investigation team, who have examined thousands of hours of horrific material seized from the suspects. Their diligence and professionalism have ensured no one else will suffer at the hands of these men.
“This lengthy and complex investigation demonstrates that we are determined to protect Londoners from harm and bringing those that threaten the safety of our communities to justice.”
DI Amanda Greig thanked the victims for their bravery throughout the investigation, noting their immense suffering – with many being left with profound mental health issues following the group's brutal actions. The victims were supported by specialist officers and signposted to support services by the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity GALOP.
Working with a number of UK police forces, as well as the NHS, London Ambulance Service, the General Medical Council, and the Midwifery Council - specialist detectives were able to help identify and support victims. Officers found that Gustavson owned and managed the website ‘Eunuchmaker.com’, which was used to advertise extreme body modification services. This included castration and penis removal.
The ringleader also filmed all the illegal mutilations and uploaded them to his production company website, capturing an international audience.
David Carruthers, 61, was jailed for 11 years (Met Police)
Ion Ciucur, 30, was jailed for 5 years and 8 months (Met Police)Victim-survivors assaulted between February 2017 and January 2020 were found to have suffered life-threatening injuries, with one victim coming close to losing his life due to blood loss. Officers sought the expertise of Consultant Urological Surgeon, Mr Chris Dawson, who said: “The procedures performed in these cases have highlighted the dangers involved in 'back street surgery'.
"To become a highly qualified surgeon takes a number of years, and these procedures should not be carried out by anyone without the necessary experience or expertise as it risks serious complications such as significant bleeding, or sepsis. When performed in hospital, these procedures are performed under general anaesthesia in a sterile environment, with the surgeon wearing sterile gown and gloves.
"The consent process is a very important part of any surgical procedure, and surgeons are held to very high standards about this. It is imperative that patients are aware of the potential complications of any surgical procedure."
Looking into 120 digital devices, police identified the remaining offenders by video footage and phone communication with Gustavson. Ashley Williams, David Carruthers, Peter Wates, Janus Atkins, and Ion Circuir were arrested at addresses in London, Scotland, Birmingham, and South Wales. Stefan Scharf, a German national, was arrested while in transit at Heathrow Airport.
Stefan Scharf, 61, was jailed for 4 years and 6 months (Met Police)
Ashley Williams, 32, was jailed for 4 years and 6 months (Met Police)Most of the offences occurred at Gustavson’s former home address, as well as a rented hotel room in London. The 46-year-old was jailed for a number of crimes, including:
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- Conspiring to commit grievous bodily harm
- Five counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent
- One count of making an indecent photograph of a child
- One count of distributing an indecent photograph of a child
- Possession of extreme pornographic images
- Distributing indecent pseudo-images of children
Those also sentenced were:
- Ashley Williams, 32, of Newport, Gwent, a Home Office employee, was jailed for 4 years and 6 months for causing GBH with intent
- Peter Wates, 67, of Purley, Surrey, a retired Chemist, was jailed for 12 years for conspiring to commit GBH
- David Carruthers, 61, of Newport, Gwent, a Home office Employee, was jailed for 11 years for conspiring to commit GBH
- Janus Atkin, 39, of Newport, Gwent, Unemployed, was jailed for 12 years for conspiring to commit GBH
- Ion Ciucur, 30, of Gretna, Scotland, a Hotel worker, was jailed for 5 years and 8 months for conspiring to commit GBH
- Stefan Scharf, 61, a retired German National was jailed for 4 years and 6 months for GBH with intent
Police have since urged anyone with further information to contact them on 0208 785 8267 quoting Op Vicktor. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
The Met added: "We encourage anyone who has had similar experiences to seek medical advice from their local sexual health clinic or GP. GALOP supports all LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse: If you need advice or support, but aren't sure where to start, you can call them on 0800 999 5428."
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