A caregiver in Leganés was detained after drugging an elderly woman with benzodiazepines and stealing her jewelry and cash. The suspect sold stolen earrings for €580 and took €200 in cash. Police intervened after the victim's health declined.
Police in Leganés (Madrid) have arrested a woman accused of drugging the elderly person she was hired to care for and stealing valuable jewelry and cash from her home. The case came to light after the victim's children noticed a sudden decline in their mother's cognitive state and persistent drowsiness, prompting them to file a complaint in July. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the family had hired the caregiver three months earlier to assist with household chores and personal care for two hours each day.
Medical tests revealed the presence of benzodiazepines in the victim's system—medications such as Orfidal, Trankimazin, and Valium, which are only to be used under strict medical supervision due to their potential for dependency and memory issues. Investigators determined that the caregiver routinely offered the elderly woman drinks upon arrival, after which the victim would quickly become lethargic and need to lie down. Upon waking, she often discovered that valuables or cash were missing from her home.
The investigation established that the caregiver had visited a gold-buying shop on two occasions, selling two pairs of stolen earrings for a total of €580—€400 on April 21 and €180 on June 18. In addition, €200 in cash was taken from the victim's wallet. The suspect also attempted to access the home outside her scheduled working hours and even after being dismissed when suspicions arose.
Authorities detained the woman on July 9, charging her with theft. She was subsequently brought before the judicial authorities. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the vulnerability of elderly individuals to exploitation by those entrusted with their care. Similar incidents have drawn public attention in Spain, such as a recent case in Castellón where a violent attack led to prison sentences for the perpetrators, as reported in a related news story.
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders but can cause serious side effects, especially in older adults. Spanish law requires that such medications be administered only with a prescription and under medical supervision. The incident in Leganés underscores the importance of vigilance when hiring caregivers and the need for families to monitor the well-being of vulnerable relatives. Police recommend regular checks on valuables and health status, and urge families to report any sudden changes in behavior or unexplained symptoms in elderly family members. The case also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with entrusting home access to individuals without thorough background checks.
