The former director of the institution Vasily Volkov has also been accused of illegally withholding up to 42,000 roubles ($1,400) in total from persons under care in the home. Volkov had invented his own system of “charges” for different faults and charged his patients. Some of the money was reportedly spent on celebrations in the home.

Criminal cases of abuse of authority and illegal imprisonment have been filed against Volkov, according to Sakha’s regional Prosecutor’s Office. He is currently suspended from his position, though the former director is confident that he acted within the law.

PrimaMedia also noted that in past years some of the patients had attempted suicide because of the home’s tough disciplinary measures.