80-year-old Man Found in Windowless Helsinki Basement After 20 Years

People reports an 80-year-old man was freed after being kept in a windowless basement in Helsinki, Finland, for 20 years.

Helsinki Police Department said in a press release the man was found on Jan. 19 during a search of a detached house prompted by information from another authority. Officers discovered an approximately 80-year-old man in poor physical condition and in need of immediate assistance; his living space was described as a "windowless room" that lacked access to bathing, toilet and food preparation facilities. Two men and one woman, all about 60 years old and residents of Helsinki, were arrested in connection with the case, and police are investigating whether those in the same house committed human trafficking by exploiting the man for financial gain. Detective Inspector Jari Korkalainen told local newspaper Iltalehti that the suspects are related and that the man willingly moved into the basement 20 years ago but his health later deteriorated, per the outlet.

The investigation is ongoing. The three suspects have since been released after being detained; an authority member who reported the situation said he met the elderly man through his work, and Finland's national public broadcaster Yle reported the man is currently in good condition.

Key Topics

World, Helsinki, Finland, Helsinki Police Department, Human Trafficking, Jari Korkalainen