VIENNA, October 9, 2025 (Agencies): A 25-year-old Afghan caregiver has been arrested in the Austrian capital on charges of sexually abusing an 82-year-old woman suffering from dementia. The shocking incident came to light after the victim’s son witnessed the assault in real time through surveillance cameras he had installed in his mother’s home for her safety.
According to Austrian media reports, the suspect, identified as an Afghan migrant, was employed to care for the elderly woman. He was caught on camera sexually assaulting the victim, prompting an immediate police response. The footage was handed over to authorities, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The accused confessed to the crime during questioning before an investigating judge and has been placed in pre-trial detention at Josefstadt prison in Vienna. The court cited a risk of repeat offenses as one of the reasons for his detention.
The victim, referred to pseudonymously as “Regina G.” by Austrian media, has been deeply traumatized by the incident. Her family’s lawyer said that following the assault, the woman expressed that she no longer wanted to live and had repeatedly mentioned suicidal thoughts.
Controversy has also emerged over the response of the care organization that employed the suspect. Instead of offering support, the organization reportedly demanded that the family switch off the surveillance cameras, citing concerns about filming caregivers. The cameras, however, were legally installed by the victim’s son to monitor her condition and ensure her well-being.
The case has sparked widespread outrage in Austria, raising questions about the vetting of foreign caregivers and the level of oversight in elderly care. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and the suspect faces serious criminal charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.