–Reaffirms Commitment To Ethical Business Practices
News Highlights:
- QNET denies involvement in fraud after EFCC’s arrest of 28 suspects in Minna.
- The company insists it operates online only, calling recovered forms likely forged.
QNET, a globally recognized lifestyle and wellness direct-selling company, has strongly denied any involvement in fraudulent activities following a recent operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kaduna Zonal Directorate in Minna, Niger State.
The company has issued a statement refuting claims that it was linked to individuals arrested in connection with Ponzi schemes, Digital TimesNG reports.
EFCC Operation and QNET’s Response
The EFCC had reported the arrest of 28 individuals allegedly involved in fraudulent schemes, stating that they operated from a three-bedroom apartment in Al-Bishiri Estate and were associated with QNET.
However, QNET categorically denies any connection to these individuals or their activities.
Although the EFCC reported recovering QNET application forms and documents during the raid, the company asserts that these materials are likely forged or fraudulent.
QNET clarified that its business operates exclusively through an e-commerce platform and does not use physical application forms, emphasising that unauthorized parties had misused its brand name for illicit activities.
Statement from QNET Leadership
Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed concern over the growing trend of scams falsely linked to QNET, including fake investment schemes and fraudulent job offers.
“We are deeply concerned by the rising trend of scams falsely linked to QNET, including fake investment schemes and fraudulent job offers. These malicious acts not only damage our reputation but also harm unsuspecting individuals by eroding their trust and finances.
“QNET condemns all fraudulent activities and is fully committed to working with authorities to ensure justice is served. We urge the public to remain vigilant and verify all QNET-related opportunities through official channels to avoid falling victim to such deceptive practices,” he stated.
QNET’s Anti-Fraud Advocacy and Consumer Protection Initiatives
Since entering the Nigerian market in 2022 through its local partner, Transblue Nigeria Limited, QNET has prioritized financial literacy and consumer protection.
In November 2023, the company launched the Say NO! Campaign, aimed at educating the public about scams and Ponzi schemes.
The initiative has been executed in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Through multilingual billboards, radio campaigns, educational pamphlets, and social media outreach, the Say NO! Campaign has reached thousands of individuals across Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Senegal and Burkina Faso.
These efforts underscore QNET’s commitment to empowering communities with knowledge to differentiate between legitimate direct-selling opportunities and fraudulent schemes.
Cooperation with Law Enforcement
QNET has pledged its full support for the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into this matter. The company is actively collaborating with authorities to clarify the misuse of its brand and ensure that those responsible for fraudulent activities are held accountable.
QNET has encouraged individuals with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
QNET Provides Public Advisory: How to Stay Safe from Scams
To help the public protect themselves from fraudulent activities misusing QNET’s name, the company has provided the following guidelines:
- Verify all information about QNET through the official website: www.qnet.net.
- Report suspicious activities to QNET’s dedicated team at network.integrity@qnet.net or via the WhatsApp hotline at +233256630005.
- Learn more about identifying and avoiding scams at www.saynocampaign.org.
QNET said it remains steadfast in upholding the highest ethical standards in direct selling and urges the media and public to verify facts before associating the company with unverified claims.
The company emphasizes that misinformation can unfairly damage its reputation and erode the trust of its stakeholders.
