By Juliet Umeh

Lifestyle and wellness direct-selling company, QNET, has strongly refuted allegations linking it to fraudulent activities following a recent operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Directorate, in Minna, Niger State.

According to reports, the EFCC arrested 28 individuals allegedly involved in Ponzi schemes, claiming they operated from a three-bedroom apartment in Al-Bishiri Estate and were linked to QNET. 

However, QNET categorically denies any association with these individuals or their illicit activities.

In response to the incident, QNET stated: “While the EFCC reported recovering QNET application forms and documents during the operation, we assert that these materials are likely forged or fraudulent, as we operate exclusively on an e-commerce platform and do not use physical application forms. 

“These items were clearly misused by unauthorized parties exploiting our brand. We operate a legitimate and ethical direct-selling business model, empowering independent representatives to promote high-quality wellness and lifestyle products.”

The company emphasized its longstanding reputation, stating: “As a global leader in the direct-selling industry since 1998, QNET adheres strictly to local and international regulations, maintaining the highest standards of compliance and integrity.”

QNET’s Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Biram Fall, expressed concern over fraudulent activities falsely linked to the company.

Fall said: “We are deeply concerned by the rising trend of scams falsely associated with 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.”

Fall also highlighted the company’s proactive efforts in educating the public about financial fraud.

“Since entering Nigeria in 2022 through our local partner, Transblue Nigeria Limited, we have prioritized financial literacy and consumer protection. In November 2023, we launched the ‘Say NO!’ campaign to educate the public about scams and Ponzi schemes. 

“We collaborated with key stakeholders, including the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, to spread awareness.”

He noted that the campaign has reached thousands across Nigeria and neighboring countries like Senegal and Burkina Faso through multilingual billboards, radio campaigns, educational pamphlets, and social media outreach.

“These efforts underscore our dedication to empowering communities with the knowledge to distinguish legitimate QNET services from fraudulent schemes.

“We are actively cooperating with the EFCC to clarify the misuse of our brand and ensure that those responsible for these fraudulent activities are brought to justice. We encourage anyone with information about this case to come forward and assist in the investigation.”

Finally, the company advised the public to be cautious: “To protect yourself from scams misusing QNET’s name, verify all information about us through our official website.”