Italy to start probe vs agency allegedly scamming Pinoy jobseekers —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA

The Office of the Public Prosecutor in Italy is expected to start its investigation into the Milan-based immigration consultancy firm that allegedly scammed nearly 300 jobseekers in the Philippines. In a statement, the Philippine Consulate General in Milan said the Filipino owners of Alpha Assistenza SRL are facing 92 complaints for fraud. “The Consulate, through its lawyer Bruno De Blasi, conveyed to the Office of the Public Prosecutor today that it could proceed with its formal investigation with the filing of 92 out of 102 complaints against the owners of Alpha Assistenza SRL,” it said. “The remaining 10 will be lodged as soon as concerned complainants submit the necessary supporting documents,” it added. The investigation may take at least six months, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Milan. Last month, De Blasi initially filed 11 complaints against Alpha Assistenza owners Diane Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro. In October 2023, Alpha Assistenza SRL vowed to cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the Philippine government. "My client is willing to participate in the investigation, ongoing,” said Atty. Charlie Pascual, legal counsel of Respicio. “That’s all I can say right now and my client is willing to answer in the proper forum," Pascual added. Pascual said he met with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to manifest the agency’s intention to participate in the ongoing investigation. “Yun lamang po [that’s all]. She’s been receiving too much from some media entities, medyo hindi na niya kaya [she can’t handle it anymore]. So I said to her, we have to come out to the open and clear your name,” he said. Pascual reiterated that Respiscio is not involved in any recruitment. The probe stems from the allegations that the firm collected money from the relatives and associates of at least 278 Filipinos in the Philippines for their employment under Italy’s decreto flussi program. But, the firm failed to deliver jobs to the Pinoy jobseekers.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News

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