Overview

• Local and regional police shut the rented chalet in Elche’s Bonavista neighborhood and referred the case to the National Police after inspecting squalid conditions.
• Officers found several dependent residents with intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism and other neurological illnesses living in overcrowded, unhygienic rooms.
• Investigators documented organic waste, strong odors of urine and feces, spoiled food, poorly maintained appliances and numerous unvaccinated dogs and cats.
• A married couple, aged 58 and 48, admitted operating without licenses, qualifications or insurance and said they charged families €30–€45 per person per day in cash.
• Authorities say the clandestine operation may have run since 2016 across different homes; residents were returned to relatives and health, labor and municipal regulators received formal complaints.