…..Reaffirms commitment to cooperating with Nigerian authorities

A global wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company, QNET has condemned the alleged misuse of its name in a fraudulent scheme in Minna, Niger State, and reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with Nigerian authorities to identify and address unauthorised use of its brand.

The company’s position followed a recent report on the arrest of four individuals in Minna over an alleged fraudulent scheme in which the QNET name was reportedly used to promote an online investment opportunity.

According to the report, the suspects allegedly demanded N200,000 from an individual who travelled to Minna in response to what he understood to be a job opportunity.

QNET noted that the matter remains under police investigation and that the suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court.

The company also referenced a separate report concerning the arrest of 55 irregular migrants in Osun State.

The report attributed to the Osun State Comptroller of Immigration a claim that some of the individuals said they had come to the state to engage in an online business identified as QNET.
QNET, however, clarified that such claims do not establish any connection between the individuals and its authorised operations.

The company said it does not facilitate irregular migration, recruitment for overseas employment, visa arrangements or the movement of individuals across borders for employment or guaranteed financial opportunities.

QNET said it strongly condemns any attempt to misuse its name, brand or reputation to facilitate fraud, deception, illegal recruitment or the exploitation of members of the public.

“QNET is not an investment scheme and does not offer investment opportunities, guaranteed financial returns, paid employment, overseas jobs or visa arrangements,” the company said.

It explained that it operates a product-based direct-selling business model through Independent Representatives, who are required to comply with the company’s policies, Code of Ethics and applicable laws.

Commenting on the report, Regional General Manager for QNET Central and West Africa, Cherif Sarr, said: “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.”

QNET also addressed the use of the term “Model Q” by law-enforcement authorities to describe a pattern of criminal activity in which individuals or groups allegedly misuse or impersonate the names of legitimate direct-selling companies and other established brands to lure victims with false promises of employment, travel, migration opportunities or guaranteed income.

The company stressed that the term “Model Q” does not refer to QNET’s legitimate business operations, but rather describes criminal conduct involving the unauthorised use or impersonation of established company and brand names.

QNET said its legitimate business is based on the sale of wellness and lifestyle products through direct selling.

It added that the company does not offer employment, visas, overseas job placements or guaranteed income through its Independent Representatives.

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

According to QNET, criminal groups have repeatedly exploited the names and reputations of established companies to deceive vulnerable individuals.

The company said it considers such brand misuse a serious matter and continues to engage with law-enforcement authorities in Nigeria and other markets to share relevant information, support investigations and help protect potential victims.

QNET said the latest incident reinforces the importance of its continued investment in public education and engagement with government and law-enforcement institutions.

It recalled that in November 2023, the company launched its “Say NO!” Awareness Campaign in Nigeria to educate communities about scams, fraudulent job offers, illegal recruitment, human trafficking and other forms of fraud involving the misuse of the QNET name.

It also said it has engaged with public institutions, including the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as part of efforts to raise awareness of fraudulent activities and protect consumers and job seekers.

QNET added that it works with law-enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and various police commands, on cases involving the alleged misuse of its name.

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

It advised members of the public to be cautious of anyone requesting upfront payments in exchange for a job, visa, overseas job placement or guaranteed financial returns; verify information about QNET and its products through official QNET channels; report suspected fraudulent activity or misuse of its name to relevant authorities and QNET’s compliance team; and avoid sharing personal or financial information with individuals making unsolicited offers in QNET’s name.