The girl,identified only as “Maria,“was discovered in her grandparents' home in Attendorn, about an hour east of Cologne, according toThe Times.

Markus Klümper/picture alliance via Getty Images

Child locked up for years in Attendorn

After learning that the man had begun a relationship with another woman, Rosemarie G told him she was taking Maria to Italy to live with relatives.

The man’s suspicions began to arise, however, when his correspondence to the girl in Italy went unanswered, according toThe Times. Another relative then told police that she had visited the house in Italy where Rosemarie G and Maria were supposed to be living and discovered they had never resided there.

Eventually, a search warrant was obtained and that’s when police found Maria in the Attendorn home.

Child locked up for years in Attendorn

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Maria is now in a foster home receiving medical and psychological care, and she may be reunited with her father, who said he would welcome custody of the girl, reportedBild.

The public prosecutor’s office in Siegen is currently investigating the mother and grandparents on suspicion of deprivation of liberty and the abuse of wards, the outlet added. The prosecutor’s office did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for information.

Rosemarie G could face up to ten years in prison if she is found guilty of keeping her daughter in captivity, reportedBild.

source: people.com