A London-based mobile masseur has been permanently banned from practising as a physiotherapist and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for a series of sexual assaults and acts of voyeurism against ten females, including a minor.
Convictions and Professional Ban
Yuliyan S Dimov, a 47-year-old Bulgarian national from Enfield, was found guilty on multiple charges at Wood Green Crown Court on 2 May 2024. His convictions included three counts of sexually assaulting an underage girl, eight counts of sexual assault on a female, and eight counts of voyeurism.
Following his criminal conviction, the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) concluded a hearing on 6 January 2026. The panel determined that the severity of his crimes warranted a striking-off order to protect the public and uphold professional standards. He has been formally removed from the physiotherapist register.
Pattern of Abuse and Police Investigation
The offences occurred while Dimov was working for Urban Massage, a company providing at-home massage services. The crimes came to light after a client reported an incident in November 2021, leading to his immediate removal from the platform.
A Metropolitan Police investigation began in 2022 after a woman reported a sexual assault during a home massage. Officers contacted all of Dimov's female clients, resulting in allegations from ten victims. He was arrested at Gatwick Airport on 15 June 2023 as he attempted to board a one-way flight to Bulgaria.
During the investigation, police examined his mobile phone and discovered more than 30 surreptitious photographs of different women, taken without their knowledge while they were partially clothed and face down on massage benches. Dimov falsely claimed the images were for professional use on his website.
Court Sentencing and Victim Impact
At his sentencing, the judge stated Dimov held a "dangerous and distorted view" of his power over victims and deliberately exploited their vulnerability. The court heard how he grew "more brazen" when he believed no official complaints had been made, escalating his assaults to include penetration and oral sex.
In one instance, Dimov shockingly claimed a victim had "wordlessly asked" for oral sex, and he complied out of fear she might otherwise falsely accuse him of rape. The judge dismissed this as a fabrication, stating a true professional would have simply refused.
Detective Constable Abigail Butler, the lead investigator, praised the bravery of the women who came forward, noting: "Dimov preyed on women who trusted him and were in a vulnerable state when he assaulted them."
Company Response and Safety Measures
A spokesperson for Urban Massage expressed profound sorrow for the victims' distress and commended their courage. The company stated that practitioner safety checks, including DBS, identity, and qualification verifications, are mandatory.
Since the case, Urban Massage has reviewed its safety protocols, making reporting mechanisms within its app clearer and more prominent to encourage users to report any concerns, however minor they may seem.
