A caregiver has been arrested in Sevilla after allegedly stealing a family jewellery collection worth more than €500,000 from an elderly patient.

The investigation began after relatives of the victim noticed that valuable items had been disappearing from the woman’s home, including a large collection of jewellery that had been passed down through generations of the family.

According to the Policia Nacional, detectives quickly focused their investigation on someone within the victim’s inner circle.

The suspect reportedly enjoyed a relationship of complete trust with the elderly woman and was responsible for her day-to-day care.

Investigators believe the woman exploited her privileged access to the property and the victim’s vulnerable situation to repeatedly steal money and high-value jewellery over an extended period of time.

After gathering evidence, officers obtained judicial authorisation to search the suspect’s home.

During the raid, police discovered a large quantity of the missing jewellery as well as cash believed to be linked to the alleged thefts.

Among the recovered items was a substantial jewellery collection valued at more than half a million euros.

Police said the recovery will allow a significant portion of the family’s heritage and assets to be returned to their rightful owners.

The suspect has since been placed before a court following her arrest.