Illegal Rehabilitation Center Exposed in Odesa
In Odesa, law enforcement discovered an illegal rehabilitation facility where 10 individuals, including four minors, were held. The center operated without proper licenses or medical staff. The police arrested five individuals involved in the criminal operation, facing up to ten years in prison.
The police of Odesa region shut down the illegal rehabilitation center, which was disguised as a non-profit organization. The perpetrators promised relatives of people with alcohol or drug dependencies "treatment" and charged them significant fees.
The "patients," including minors, were sourced from the streets or through recommendations. They were then confined in a closed facility without medical assistance or contact with the outside world. To instill obedience, the offenders intimidated them, deprived them of sleep, and doused them with water.
Money obtained from the criminal activities was distributed among all group members and was also used to sustain the operation of the center.
As a result of the special operation, officers from the migration police and the investigative department of the National Police of Odesa region rescued 10 individuals, four of whom were minors. Some had been unlawfully held for over six months.
The police arrested five suspects, who have been charged under part 3 of Article 146 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — illegal deprivation of liberty and kidnapping committed by an organized group for mercenary motives over an extended period. The penalty carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.
A decision regarding a preventive measure is being considered. The investigation continues under the procedural guidance of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.
