Vancouver laser tech to enter guilty plea in sexual assault and voyeurism case

Editor’s note: This article contains descriptions of sexual harassment and assault allegations. It has also been amended from its original version. 

Sources say a Vancouver laser technician plans to enter a guilty plea on Monday over allegations he inappropriately touched and photographed clients who visited the clinic he worked at for hair removal services.

Ali Aghasardar’s legal counsel told the court he intends to plead guilty on Monday.

The BC Prosecution Service says the matter is expected to be adjourned for sentencing once the guilty plea is entered.

The Vancouver Police Department first alerted the public about the investigation in early 2022, saying a young woman came forward about a hair removal appointment at Dermabella Clinic at Howe and Smithe Streets. He was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of voyeurism.

The BC College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists suspended Aghasardar’s registration in 2020 after the same woman shared her allegations.

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There are simultaneous civil suits against Aghasardar, alleging he and the clinic breached their fiduciary duty to clients by allowing him to continue working after the Vancouver police investigation launched in 2019. Lawyer Naz Kohan, representing Aghasardar’s former clients, says there’s one class action case plus seven individual lawsuits.

“It’s a distressing case,” Kohan said. “He has a position of power. He was a laser technician. And we’re alleging he used this position to take photos of his client’s genital regions without their consent or knowledge.”