68 victims of recruitment scam in Italy seek DOJ assistance

At least 68 persons fell victim to a recruitment scam in Italy sought the help from the Justice department, Saleema Refran reported on "Saksi" Thursday.

The victims were encouraged to apply speedy application process of a Pinoy-operated management agency was abuzz among members of the Filipino community in Italy.

Applicants, the victims said, were allowed to pay the fee of 3,000 euros or P180,000 on an installment basis. They can pay in three-gives at 1,000 euros per tranche.

"Inalam nila, mabilis nga. Yung iba three days meron na. So, nagtiwala ako at nag-pass ako ng application," Apple Cabasis, one of the victims, said.

Their work permits were sent via email or through social media.

However, when they submitted these "permits" to the Italian Embassy to process their work visa their application was denied.

"Ang nakalagay doon "falso" or false," said Cabasis.

There are about 400 complainants that the Justice Department will be processing that the NBI will investigate.

"Ang iba dyan nagsanla ng bahay, lupa. Nagbenta po ang mga yan ng sasakyan. Nangutang sa mga porsyentuhan," Cabasis also said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said," We will help them draft complaints, affidavits. Kung ano yan, kung eto ay swindling, estafa, large scale estafa, qualified theft or whatever cases they are, we will draw out the truth."

A resolution has also been submitted to the Senate, calling for an inquiry in aid of legislation into illegal recruitment activities conducted by persons and entities located outside of the Philippines.

Alpha Assistenza SRL, in a statement, denied the allegations.

"WE STRONGLY VEHEMENTLY DENY that we are involved in any irregular activities," said Alpha Assistenza SRL.

"The facilitation and processing of application documents in the Philippines were first undertaken by hired liaison. However, the hired liaison had to take a leave.

Further verification with PIASI confirmed that (the hired liaison) had processed more than righty five (85) applicants that we officially endorsed to her...

We have conducted our investigations and found out that she also have collected monies from the applicants in the guise of additional fees, which we have no knowledge of.

As of this date, we are coordinating with authorities to establish the truth and to bring legal action as maybe warranted." — with Jiselle Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News