Manila, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed criminal charges against Alpha Assistenza SLR, a firm allegedly involved in a recruitment scam promising employment in Italy for substantial placement fees. This legal action follows complaints from 48 individuals in Cavite and Batangas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Alpha Assistenza SLR officials charged up to PHP180,000 in placement fees but failed to deliver on their employment promises. Several applicants claimed that their visa applications were rejected by Italian authorities due to fake 'nulla osta' or work permits provided by the firm. Senator Raffy Tulfo, who filed a resolution last month seeking an inquiry into these illegal recruitment schemes, stated that the firm, led by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, charged exorbitant fees for non-existent jobs. Some victims reported paying as much as 5,780 euros (PHP347,140) each. The Philippine Embassy in Italy has notified relevant authorities, including the Public Prosecutors Office in Rome and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, about the situation.