Spain issues international arrest warrant for caretaker accused of raping Alzheimer patient

Héctor Ataypoma, a former caretaker at a nursing home in the Sanchinarro neighbourhood of Madrid, was caught on the night of 27 July 2024 sexually assaulting an 83‑year‑old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. A colleague reported the incident, leading to his immediate dismissal and a criminal complaint.

Police searched his home in Carabanchel on 1 August 2024 but he had already fled. The court subsequently issued an international arrest warrant. Investigators say the abuse may have continued for up to eight months, although the victim suffered no physical injuries. Ataypoma’s lawyer, Alfredo Arrién, initially advised surrender and even arranged a video‑conference confession, but the suspect disappeared and has not been located. In Spain, sexual offences prescribe after a minimum of 15 years from the filing of the complaint.