Fat killers

LIMA, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Four people were arrested in Peru in an investigation into the killing of people for their body fat, which was perhaps sent to Europe to be used in cosmetics.

International authorities said they are looking for at least five other people in the alleged ring, which would lure victims with a job offer and kill them. Body was fat was extracted and sold for about $60,000 a gallon.

The disappearances of 60 people have been linked to the alleged scheme. Peruvian investigators said one of the suspects has been killing for human fat for more than 30 years.

They said they suspected the body fat was being sent to Europe, although no hard link was developed. Some of the at-large suspects are Europeans.

Such fat is regularly used to treat wrinkles but it is usually extracted from another part, such as the stomach or buttocks, of the patient's body. One doctor told The Times of London to use fat from another person could result in a risk of "life-threatening consequences."