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Elderly Man Found Living for Decades in Windowless Helsinki Basement

Police have opened an investigation into possible human trafficking.

Overview

  • The man, about 80, was discovered on Jan. 19 during a police house search of a villa in a northern Helsinki neighborhood.
  • Officers said he lived in a windowless room without a toilet, bathing facilities or a way to cook and was in poor physical condition requiring immediate assistance.
  • Police say the conditions persisted for at least 20 years, describing the case as exceptional.
  • Two men and one woman in their 60s were detained and later released but remain suspects, and one of the men owns the property.
  • Investigators are assessing whether the man's dependent situation was exploited for financial gain and whether he could freely leave, and he is now under the care of authorities.