Illegal care home in basement in Thessaloniki – couple arrested
A couple has been arrested in Thessaloniki for operating an informal care home in a basement flat. Five elderly people were found in unsuitable conditions.
Arrest of couple for informal care home in Toumba basement
A 56-year-old man and his 46-year-old wife were arrested in Thessaloniki following a police operation conducted in the previous 24 hours, according to Naftemporiki. The couple allegedly converted a basement flat and adjacent auxiliary space in the Toumba area into informal facilities for elderly accommodation.
The operation was carried out on the basis of a prosecutor's order, as part of a preliminary investigation, and in the presence of a judicial representative. The investigation involved staff from the Social Services, Environmental Health and Health departments of the Public Health Directorate of the Central Macedonia Region.
During the inspection, five elderly people were found, while authorities recorded numerous health and other violations. The two spaces — the basement flat and the adjacent room with a separate entrance — were deemed unsuitable for the residence of elderly persons.
Following the operation, two of the elderly people were collected by relatives, whilst the remaining three were transported by EKAB ambulances to an on-duty hospital.
A case file was drawn up against the 56-year-old and 46-year-old for exposure through common offence, which will be submitted to the competent prosecutor. In parallel, procedures are expected to be initiated for the sealing of the spaces, as well as the imposition of administrative fines by the services of the Central Macedonia Region.
Source: Naftemporiki