An 82-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman in France have been charged with kidnapping and torturing a woman they allegedly held captive for five years. The victim, a 45-year-old woman described as “psychologically fragile,” was rescued from a home in Saint-Molf, located in France’s Brittany peninsula, after managing to escape.
According to French prosecutors, the woman had been forced to live outside — in a tent, garden, or an attached garage — while her captors lived inside the house. Nantes prosecutor Antoine Leroy said she endured “extremely harsh conditions,” often sleeping on a deckchair and using plastic bags or a potty as a toilet.
Investigations revealed that the woman ate food contaminated with dish soap and was frequently locked in the garage, deprived of basic hygiene and freedom. Her ordeal ended when she managed to flee while the man was watching TV, running to a neighbor’s house “half-dressed” to beg for help.
Authorities later confirmed her account after searching the property. The victim reportedly vanished from public view since April 2022, following her divorce. Her bank records showed no activity except for large transactions paid to the alleged captors.
Both suspects were arrested last week and have since admitted to some of the allegations, though they attempted to minimize their actions. They now face serious charges, including kidnapping with acts of torture and barbarism — offenses that carry a potential life sentence. The woman has been remanded in custody, while the elderly man remains under judicial supervision.
Police continue to investigate how the victim remained undetected for so many years despite living in such dire conditions.
