Stara Zagora, Bulgaria — Authorities rescued dozens of individuals from two unlicensed care facilities where they endured severe mistreatment, officials announced Saturday. Justice Minister Georgy Georgiev characterized these locations as “houses of horrors” amid alarming reports of abuse, including beatings, restraints, and sedations.

Around 75 people were taken from the makeshift health centers, which were disguised as “rooms for rent” for slightly over 400 euros per month. Officials released grim images illustrating the deplorable conditions within the facilities, showing individuals being transported away in ambulances.

Georgiev displayed a photograph that reportedly shows elderly residents with their legs bound, further emphasizing the distressing nature of the situation. Nineteen individuals were rescued from one location and 56 from the other, according to reports from local media outlets.

The regional prosecutor’s office in Stara Zagora confirmed the arrest of five suspects while launching investigations into potential charges of kidnapping, violence, and negligence. Testimonies revealed that one elderly woman had been confined to the facility for four years without leaving. Another resident attempted to escape but was apprehended, beaten, and left unconscious.

In its statement, the justice ministry disclosed that several rescued individuals were found with their feet tied and sedated, confined to rooms that lacked basic necessities such as bedding. Window handles had been removed, effectively isolating them from the outside world.

Georgiev announced that inspections of nursing homes and hospices are underway to tackle property fraud that preys on vulnerable populations. He indicated that these findings are tied to ongoing investigations into criminal schemes surrounding real estate that exploit helpless individuals.

International organizations frequently criticize Bulgaria, the poorest nation in the European Union, for the inadequate conditions of its healthcare facilities. The scarcity of proper care for the elderly has led to the emergence of illegal centers like the ones recently uncovered.

Tragic incidents in the past have highlighted the dire state of care for the elderly in Bulgaria. In November 2021, a fire at a nursing home near Varna claimed the lives of nine individuals, while four more perished in a similar fire at another facility in May 2022.

The rescue mission brings renewed attention to the urgent need for regulatory reform and improved conditions for vulnerable populations in Bulgaria, as officials aim to ensure that such atrocities are not repeated.