‘One Dream’ execs absent at DOJ probe on syndicated estafa case

EXECUTIVES of One Dream Global Marketing Inc., the company behind the alleged new investment scam that duped thousands of people, were absent at the Department of Justice (DOJ) preliminary investigation Thursday into the syndicated estafa case filed by the first batch of victims.

One of the respondents, One Dream head Arnel Gacer, instead sent his lawyer Elmo Triste to the DOJ.

“We were not able to submit counter-affidavit because the copy of the complaint affidavit was only given to us just this morning. They (Gacer and others) don’t even know the specification of the complaint,” the lawyer explained to reporters after the hearing.

The DOJ investigating panel chaired by Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Villanueva then gave the respondents up to Sept. 1 to submit their counter affidavit.

The other respondents are One Dream vice president Jobelle de Guzman and other officers identified as Ariel Gacer, Richard Ramos, Jay-Ar de Guzman, Marlon de Guzman, Judith Itoh, Jun de Guzman, Lui de Guzman, Linda de Guzman and Joel de Guzman.

The case stemmed from 18 complainants who alleged that they were enticed to invest by the “rags to riches” story fed to them by the company officers.

The company, complainants said, used the system profit scheme. Under the scheme, a “pay-in” of P888, which is equivalent to one slot will result in an “exit ” or “pay-out” of P1,300 after four days.

Additionally, the complainants said the company offered a P44 per slot as commission for every direct referral.

Complainants said they were surprised that the company stopped operation last July 11 and despite repeated demands, One Dream failed to return their money.