A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Hungary on suspicion of illegally collecting human body parts taken from cemeteries and a hospital where he worked, police said.
The National Bureau of Investigation said the suspect was detained in Budapest on June 17 after receiving information that he had been storing human remains both at his workplace and at his home. Authorities said the man is employed as a hospital orderly.
During a search of his apartment, investigators reportedly discovered skulls, a human lower leg, a hand, and a facial reconstruction made from human skin. Additional bones were also found inside a suitcase, while a jar containing a heart is being examined to determine whether it is human or animal in origin.
Police said the suspect admitted during questioning that he had collected the body parts and claimed to have a strong interest in human anatomy and pathology. He also allegedly told investigators he had prepared and consumed food made from human remains.
Authorities said he is being held on suspicion of illegal use of human bodies. Investigators believe the remains may have been obtained through his work at a hospital as well as by exhuming graves in abandoned cemeteries in Hungary and Slovakia.
Police have seized multiple electronic devices from the suspect as forensic examinations continue. Officials said further charges could be considered depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations into the origin of the remains.
