The 32, including nurses and other health workers, have been informed that prosecutors have concluded an investigation into the allegations, with the possibility the case will be sent to trial.

Finance police used telephone wiretaps, bugs and hidden video cameras to document the alleged abuse and raided the home last March.

Investigators say that the residents of the home were frequently deprived of meals and hygienic services, as well as being threatened, insulted and hit.

Ten of the suspects have been put under house arrest and 14 have been suspended from doing work at the service of the public for between six and 12 months.

According to one recording, a health worker allegedly told a resident that he would give them "a slap in the teeth so you end up swallowing them".

In another, an elderly person was told that "now I'm going to give you a headbutt between the eyes".

Preliminary investigations judge Massimiliano Botti wrote in the warrant for 10 of the suspects to be put under house arrest that "the odious ways the crimes they are suspected of were committed and the violent, despotic behaviour repeatedly displayed" showed there was a risk of them repeating the felonies.

ANSA