QNET Condemns Alleged Misuse of Name in Minna Fraud Case, Pledges Cooperation with Authorities

QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness direct-selling company, has condemned the alleged misuse of its name in a fraudulent scheme in Minna, Niger State, and pledged continued cooperation with Nigerian authorities to address such activities.

The company said this in a statement on Thursday following media reports concerning the arrest of four persons in Minna over an alleged fraudulent scheme in which its name was reportedly used to promote an online investment opportunity.

According to the company, the suspects allegedly demanded N200,000 from an individual who travelled to Minna after responding to what he believed was a job opportunity.

QNET, however, noted that the matter remained under police investigation and that the suspects were presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.

The company also referred to a separate report concerning the arrest of 55 irregular migrants in Osun State, published on Aug. 22.

It said claims that some of the individuals had travelled to the state to engage in an online business identified as QNET did not establish any connection between them and its authorised operations.

QNET said it did not facilitate irregular migration, overseas employment, visa arrangements or the movement of individuals across borders for employment or guaranteed financial opportunities.

The company said it remained committed to cooperating with relevant authorities to establish the facts and address any unauthorised use or misrepresentation of its name.

It said its business model was product-based direct selling through Independent Representatives, who were expected to comply with the company’s policies, Code of Ethics and applicable laws.

QNET added that it was not an investment scheme and did not offer investment opportunities, guaranteed financial returns, paid employment, overseas jobs or visa arrangements.

Commenting on the development, Mr Cherif Sarr, Regional General Manager for QNET Central and West Africa, said the company was concerned about the misuse of its name to deceive members of the public.

“We are deeply concerned whenever individuals misuse the QNET name to deceive members of the public.

“There is absolutely no place within QNET for fraudulent recruitment, demands for payment in exchange for jobs, or the misrepresentation of our business as an investment opportunity.

“We remain committed to cooperating with the Nigerian authorities to support efforts to identify and hold accountable anyone found to be unlawfully using our name,” Sarr said.

The company also addressed the use of the term “Model Q” by some law-enforcement authorities to describe alleged criminal activities involving the impersonation or misuse of the names of legitimate direct-selling companies and other established brands.

QNET said the term did not refer to its legitimate business operations but to criminal activities in which individuals or groups allegedly use established company names to lure victims with false promises of employment, travel, migration opportunities or guaranteed income.

It said its legitimate business involved the sale of wellness and lifestyle products through direct selling.

“Anyone using the QNET name to solicit money in exchange for employment, visas, overseas job opportunities or guaranteed financial returns is acting without QNET’s authorisation,” the company said.

QNET said it had continued to engage with law-enforcement agencies in Nigeria and other markets to share relevant information, support investigations and help protect potential victims.

The company said it launched its “Say NO!” awareness campaign in Nigeria in November 2023 to educate members of the public about scams, fraudulent job offers, illegal recruitment, human trafficking and other forms of fraud involving the alleged misuse of its name.

It added that it had engaged public institutions, including the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, to raise awareness about fraudulent activities and protect consumers and job seekers.

QNET said it also worked with law-enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and various police commands, on cases involving the alleged misuse of its name.

The company advised members of the public to exercise caution when approached with purported job offers, investment opportunities or other financial propositions using its name.

It urged Nigerians to be wary of requests for upfront payments in exchange for jobs, visas, overseas job placements or guaranteed financial returns.

The company also advised members of the public to verify information about QNET and its products through its official channels and avoid sharing personal or financial information with individuals making unsolicited offers in its name.

QNET urged members of the public to report suspected fraudulent activities involving the misuse of its name to relevant authorities and its compliance team.

It said suspected cases could be reported via WhatsApp on +233 2566 30005 or by email at [email protected].

The company said all reports would be treated confidentially and reviewed in accordance with its compliance procedures.