Overview

• A coordinated operation by Policía Local de Elche and the Policía de la Generalitat sealed a rented house being used as an unlicensed facility for dependent people.
• Officers found residents with intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism and other neurological conditions living among organic waste, strong odors, precarious beds, spoiled food, unmaintained appliances and numerous undocumented animals.
• The married operators, aged 58 and 48, admitted having no municipal licence, authorizations, civil‑liability insurance or professional credentials, while charging families €30–45 per person per day outside legal and social‑security frameworks.
• Residents were relocated with relatives as social services began assessments, and the Ayuntamiento de Elche, the Conselleria de Sanitat and the Labour Inspectorate opened administrative files to determine responsibilities and sanctions.
• Policía Nacional is investigating the 34‑year‑old’s death; early inquiries suggest the operation may have shifted between dwellings since 2016, and both families and the property owner said they were unaware of the actual conditions.