Five people have been officially placed under investigation in the Marche city of Ancona for allegedly producing fake documents and jobs to enable foreign citizens to illicitly obtain residence permits in exchange for money as part of an illicit business.
Five people, including three Italians and two non-EU citizens, have been placed under investigation in the Marche city of Ancona (central Italy) on charges of aiding and abetting illegal immigration.
Investigators coordinated by the State Attorney's Office in Ancona said the suspects provided fake documents and jobs to foreign citizens who wished to enter the country.
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Suspects requested over 5,000 euros for each application
The alleged ringleader is an Italian retailer who, together with four accomplices, handled applications for the regularization of foreign citizens. Investigators said that in exchange for registering applications on the interior ministry's website, the suspects asked applicants to pay about 5,000 euros each.
The applications were filed together with fake documents so non-EU citizens could be granted a permit to reach the country and reside in Italy, according to the same sources.
The regularization procedure was aimed at generating a significant profit, they said.
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Applications rejected as probe wrapped up
The probe carried out by the Ancona police flying squad, with the support of the prefecture and labor inspectors, foiled the illegal scheme and all requests presented by the alleged criminal organization were rejected, said investigative sources.
The suspects last week were notified by prosecutors that the preliminary investigation into the case has been completed.
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