After a four-year investigation into wage theft and insurance fraud, the owners of Alfa Private Security have been ordered to pay over $200,000 in restitution to disgruntled workers. Ferooz Nangeyali, one of the co-owners, pled guilty to the felony charges and now faces the financial consequences of these unlawful actions. According to a press release from the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, the case unfolded after former employees accused the company of not properly compensating them for their services, including regular and overtime hours.
While the resolution of this case could be perceived as a victory for the victims, many of whom are still in the process of being located, the prosecution has only managed to identify 37 of the 81. District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson said, per the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, "We are grateful for the assistance of the California Labor Commissioner’s Office and the Department of Insurance. Through our joint efforts, over $200,000 will be returned to dozens of workers who were cheated out of their hard-earned income." A substantial sum also must be repaid to the State Compensation Insurance Fund for losses accrued from the defendant's ongoing criminal misrepresentations.
Wage theft and insurance fraud aren't just illegal, but also undermine the integrity of fair competition and strip workers of their rightful earnings. As Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower points out, the partnership has brought offenders to justice and protected worker rights. "Wage theft and insurance fraud not only create unfair competition, they also rob workers of the pay and protections they deserve," Lilia Garcia-Brower told the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. The Nangeyalis are ordered to make full restitution, and in Alejandra Nangeyali's case, charges will be dismissed in a year if her conduct remains good and the payments are made.
The case continues with further proceedings scheduled for November 4. Any former employees of Alfa Security who suspect they may have been victims of wage theft are encouraged to contact the Alameda County District Attorney’s office through their provided email address, [email protected], or phone number 510-383-8600.
