A DECISION to grant bail to the former head of a now-defunct company accused of supplying potentially faulty breast implants has caused indignation among women who regard themselves as his victims.

A judge in Marseille placed Jean-Claude Mas, the founder and former chief of Poly Implant Prothese, under investigation for ''involuntary injury'', the defence lawyer Yves Haddad said. But the decision on Friday to release him on $130,000 bail has been criticised.

Mr Mas, 72, was arrested at his residence in a Mediterranean resort town. A lawyer representing about 50 French women said his clients were horrified that Mr Mas may end up in the Riviera. They ''don't see Jean-Claude Mas in a villa, his feet in the water, on the French Riviera,'' Laurent Gaudon said.

The suspect PIP implants have been removed in several countries amid fears industrial silicone was used and they could rupture.

National authorities estimate more than 42,000 women in Britain received the implants, more than 30,000 in France and 9000 in Australia.

Associated Press