Jean-Claude Mas
Jean-Claude Mas, founder of PIP breast implant firm Reuters

Jean-Claude Mas, the founder of Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), which manufactured the controversial breast implants that led to a global health scare at the end of 2011, has been arrested by French police. He was found at the home of a friend in the South of France.

"Jean-Claude Mas was arrested at the home of his companion and taken into custody," AFP reported.

Mas, 72, may face charges of manslaughter and involuntary harm.

The now defunct PIP is at the centre of the controversy for producing and exporting breast implants using industrial-grade silicone.

About 30,000 women were advised by the French government to remove the implants over fears that they could be a major health hazard. France banned the product in 2010.

France was joined by Germany and the Czech Republic in recommending the removal of the implants as a precautionary measure.

Britain has not put out any advisory and UK medical experts have not established proof of any health hazards associated with the product.

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Germany