Two so-called rehabilitation centres in Kharkiv, where people were being held against their will, have been exposed

This was reported by the regional prosecutor’s office.

During searches of two private homes in the Slobidskyi and Saltivskyi districts, law enforcement officers rescued the victims. According to the investigation, the network had been operating for around five years under the guise of a charity that purportedly helped people with addictions.

Investigators established that between 20 and 60 people were present in each house at any one time. New ‘patients’ were sought amongst people with addictions and those facing difficult life circumstances. Relatives were promised treatment and rehabilitation, for which the organisation charged between 5,000 and 25,000 hryvnias per month.

In reality, however, no assistance was provided to the residents. Their documents and mobile phones were confiscated, and they were forced to work for free and to study religious texts.

Investigators believe that the organiser ran the entire network, with two of his accomplices supervising those held captive, and a further three – former ‘patients’ who had become supervisors. They have been informed that they are suspected of unlawful deprivation of liberty as part of a conspiracy.

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