Seven suspects from Lousada remanded in custody over abuse in unlicensed care homes for elderly
Criminal investigation judge ordered detention for suspects accused of illegally operating nine properties as care facilities, where 11 elderly people lived in poor conditions.
Seven suspects from Lousada remanded in custody over abuse in unlicensed care homes for elderly
The judge at Penafiel's Criminal Investigation Court ordered that seven people remain in detention pending charges that they illegally operated nine houses in Lousada as care centres for elderly residents without proper legal authorisation.
The decision was made following interrogations conducted on Wednesday and Thursday. Among the detainees are six women and one man, all aged between 25 and 65 years.
The magistrate based the precautionary measure on risks of reoffending, serious harm to public peace, and obstruction of evidence gathering.
According to the Porto District Attorney General's Office, the suspects face charges of criminal gang formation, one hundred and seventy-eight cases of violence against elderly persons, aggravated fraud, and qualified tax evasion. Some of the accused are also under investigation for suspicions of qualified homicide.
In addition to detention, the court imposed an absolute prohibition on communication with the victims, their families, witnesses and their relatives, either through direct contact or via technological platforms. A ban on working as carers for vulnerable individuals has also been imposed, specifically elderly persons, minors and the infirm.
The police operation that triggered the case occurred on Tuesday, when GNR officers dismantled the network and closed the nine establishments. Officers found that the properties housed eleven residents — nine women and two men, aged between 78 and 95 years — living in conditions with deficient hygiene, sanitation and human care.
The residents were transferred to social care facilities coordinated by the Social Security service.
The DCIAP revealed that investigations began in June 2023, under the remit of the local DIAP, and were subsequently taken over by the central department in Porto. The investigation remained continuously active, with searches having already been carried out at ten addresses under the coordination of three public prosecutors, with on-site interviews with various residents.
Source: Observador
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)