80-Year-Old Man Kept in a Windowless Basement Has Been Freed After 20 Years

An 80-year-old man was freed after being kept in a windowless basement for 20 years.

The elderly man was found on Jan. 19 during a search of a detached house in Helsinki, Finland, according to a press release from the Helsinki Police Department.

The search was prompted by information received from another authority. 

“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 release stated.

The man’s living space was described as a “windowless room” that didn’t have access to bathing, toilet and food preparation facilities. 

The man, who has not been publicly identified, is now being cared for by the appropriate authorities, police said. 

Two men and one woman, all about 60 years old and residents of Helsinki, have been arrested in connection with the situation. 

A preliminary investigation revealed that the man moved into the basement “several decades ago.”

Police are investigating whether those in the same house committed human trafficking by exploiting the man for financial gain. The investigation is ongoing. 

Detective Inspector Jari Korkalainen told local newspaper Iltalehti that the suspects are related to each other.

The man willingly moved into the basement 20 years ago, but his health has since deteriorated, per the outlet.

Korkalainen said the suspects were shocked by the suggestion of criminal activity and have cooperated with the investigation. 

The three suspects have since been released after being detained. 

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The authority member who reported the situation said he met the elderly man through his work. 

Finland’s national public broadcasting company Yle reported that the man is currently in good condition.