Authorities are examining medical materials and records recovered from a former pathologist’s property.
LUTORYŻ, Poland — Polish authorities are investigating the discovery of 32 fetal remains and medical materials buried on a rural property previously owned by a former pathologist, a case that has led to an arrest and raised questions about the handling of biological materials during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
The investigation has drawn national attention because prosecutors believe the remains may have originated from a medical setting before being moved to private land. Officials are reviewing evidence collected from the property, interviewing witnesses and examining documents to determine how the remains were obtained, whether laws were violated and whether additional people or locations are connected to the case.
The case began when construction workers performing work on private property in the village of Lutoryż uncovered suspicious materials buried beneath the ground. Authorities were notified and forensic specialists were sent to the scene. After examining the site, investigators confirmed that the discovery included human fetal remains. Prosecutors later said a total of 32 fetal remains had been recovered during the initial phase of the investigation. The property had previously belonged to a 57-year-old pathologist identified by Polish media as Magdalena H. As investigators expanded their inquiry, the area was secured as a crime scene and forensic teams spent several days documenting evidence and searching for additional materials. Prosecutors said the woman was detained in the city of Zamość on June 12 as authorities began collecting records and interviewing potential witnesses.
Investigators reported finding more than fetal remains at the site. Authorities said medical waste, laboratory materials, microscope slides, tubes and documents believed to be related to medical work were also recovered during the search. Officials are now attempting to determine where those materials originated and whether they were legally possessed and stored. During preliminary questioning, prosecutors said the suspect told investigators that she had taken fetal remains from a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic period and used them for research outside a formal institutional setting. According to investigators, she allegedly stated that the remains were later placed into bags and buried on the property after examinations were completed. Prosecutors have not publicly released evidence supporting those statements, and many key details remain unresolved. Authorities have not identified any hospitals that may be connected to the remains and have not disclosed whether records exist documenting their transfer from a medical facility.
The discovery has renewed attention on regulations governing the handling, transportation and disposal of biological materials. In Poland, medical facilities and professionals are subject to legal requirements concerning the management of human remains and medical waste. Investigators are now attempting to reconstruct a timeline that may stretch back several years. Officials have not disclosed how long the remains were buried or whether all remains potentially connected to the case have been recovered. The land reportedly changed ownership in recent months, and current property owners became aware of the buried materials only after renovation work exposed them. Prosecutors have emphasized that the current owners are not suspected of wrongdoing and have cooperated with investigators throughout the inquiry. Residents of the village expressed shock after learning what had been discovered beneath the property.
The legal and procedural aspects of the investigation remain in an early stage. Prosecutors are evaluating potential offenses involving the handling of human remains and medical waste. Authorities said the suspect could face a prison sentence of up to 12 years if convicted of the most serious allegations under consideration. Officials are also reviewing whether any professional, administrative or institutional violations may have occurred. Forensic examinations of the recovered remains are expected to continue in the coming weeks as specialists work to determine their origin and establish a more complete timeline. Prosecutors have indicated that additional searches may be conducted at locations connected to the case. They are also reviewing recovered documents and other materials for evidence that could clarify how the remains were obtained and whether others were involved. No trial date has been announced, and authorities have not publicly detailed any formal charges beyond the detention process.
Witnesses described a prolonged forensic operation at the property as investigators searched soil, debris and drainage areas for additional evidence. Police secured the location while specialists worked behind temporary barriers erected around parts of the site. Residents said they were stunned by the discovery in what is generally considered a quiet rural community. One local resident, speaking through comments reported by local media, described the former property owner as “a bit strange,” while others said they knew little about her activities. Officials have urged caution as the investigation continues. Prosecutors said many facts remain unverified and stressed that forensic testing and document analysis will play a critical role in determining exactly what occurred. Authorities have released limited information about the condition of the remains and have not announced conclusions regarding motive, intent or possible institutional involvement.
The investigation remains active as forensic examinations, document reviews and witness interviews continue. Prosecutors say additional searches may follow, with future findings expected to help determine the full scope of the case and whether further criminal charges will be pursued.
Author note: Last updated June 16, 2026.