An approximately 80-year-old man was discovered and removed from a windowless basement room in Helsinki on Jan. 19 after living there for roughly two decades, authorities said. The man was in poor physical condition and required immediate assistance when police arrived.
What Police Found
Officers from the Helsinki Police Department found the elderly man during a search of a detached house after receiving information from another authority. Police described his accommodation as a windowless room without access to bathing, toilet or food-preparation facilities.
EMMI KORHONEN/Lehtikuva/AFP via GettyHelsinki police car
"In the basement of the house, the police discovered an approximately 80-year-old man in poor physical condition and in need of immediate assistance," the department said in a statement.
Investigation Underway
Two men and one woman, all about 60 and residents of Helsinki, were initially detained in connection with the case but have since been released while the inquiry continues. Detective Inspector Jari Korkalainen told local outlet Iltalehti that the three suspects are related and have cooperated with investigators. He said the man moved into the basement voluntarily several decades ago, but his health declined over time.
Police are investigating whether people living in the same house exploited the man for financial gain and whether the circumstances amount to human trafficking. The investigation remains ongoing.
Care And Condition
The man has not been publicly identified. Authorities said he is now receiving social and medical care, and Finland’s public broadcaster Yle reported that his condition is currently good.
Officials said the search was prompted by a report from another authority; that officer had met the elderly man through his work and alerted police. The Helsinki Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances around the man’s long confinement and any potential criminal charges.
Sources: Helsinki Police Department statement; reporting from Iltalehti and Yle.
