B.C. Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Assaulting 7 Women in Treatments

UPDATE: A Burnaby man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually assaulting seven women during so-called “non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation” treatments. Farshad Khojsteh Kashani, 44, was convicted last year on multiple counts of sexual assault, shocking the community with his abusive actions.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Lisa A. Warren in B.C. Supreme Court, Khojsteh Kashani received consecutive sentences for his heinous crimes committed between 2019 and 2021. The court’s decision was made public just days ago and has sent ripples of outrage and concern throughout Burnaby and beyond.

The assaults occurred at Khojsteh Kashani’s medical aesthetics clinic, where he misused a high-intensity focused ultrasound machine (HIFU) inappropriately during treatments. Victims reported extreme violations of trust, with some describing procedures that deviated alarmingly from accepted medical standards. One victim recounted being ordered to bend over while Khojsteh Kashani inserted the wand from behind, while others described instances of him inserting his fingers or making inappropriate comments during the procedures.

This alarming case came to light after victims bravely stepped forward, prompting a police investigation that revealed even more survivors. As a result, five additional victims were identified after a public appeal for information.

The emotional toll on the victims has been devastating. Many shared their trauma in court, describing the assaults as “humiliating, degrading, and terrifying.” The impact has left them with ongoing psychological suffering, as they struggle to cope with the betrayal of trust.

Throughout the trial, Khojsteh Kashani maintained his innocence, insisting that the allegations were misunderstandings. However, the jury’s verdict confirmed the severity of his actions. Despite his claims, he continues to face the harsh reality of his sentence. The judge noted that a lesser sentence would be “manifestly disproportionate” to the gravity of the crimes.

In court, the prosecution argued for a harsher penalty, recommending a 12-year sentence, highlighting the position of trust Khojsteh Kashani abused and the invasive nature of his actions. In contrast, Khojsteh Kashani sought a conditional sentence of just two years, citing the stigma he faced as punishment enough.

Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of a significant prison term, reflecting the seriousness of the assaults. Khojsteh Kashani is required to submit DNA for registration and is banned from contacting his victims for the duration of his sentence. He will also be subject to the Sex Offender Information Registration Act for the next 20 years.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for vigilance and accountability in the medical aesthetics industry. As the community continues to process the verdict, authorities are urging anyone with information related to similar incidents to come forward.

What happens next? With Khojsteh Kashani now behind bars, the focus will shift to supporting the victims and ensuring that justice is served in similar cases. The public is left to grapple with the implications of this case, emphasizing the importance of safety and trust in healthcare settings.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.