…condemns misuse of name in alleged fraud

By Juliet Umeh

Global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, QNET, has condemned the alleged misuse of its name in a fraudulent scheme in Minna, Niger State, reaffirming its commitment to working with Nigerian authorities to tackle scams and protect members of the public.

The company was reacting to a recent report by an online platform 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 had travelled to Minna after responding to what he understood to be a job opportunity.

The case is currently under police investigation, and the suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court.

Reacting to the development, Regional General Manager, QNET Central and West Africa, Cherif Sarr, said the company was concerned about the alleged misuse of its name.

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 referred to a separate Daily Post report published on August 22, 2026, 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 travelled to the state to engage in an online business identified as QNET.

However, QNET said such claims, on their own, did not establish any connection between the individuals and its authorised operations.

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

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

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

QNET also warned Nigerians against individuals who allegedly use the company’s name to solicit money by promising jobs, visas, overseas employment or guaranteed income.

The company said law-enforcement authorities had increasingly used the term “Model Q” to describe a pattern of criminal activity involving the alleged misuse or impersonation of legitimate direct-selling companies and established brands.

QNET clarified that “Model Q” did not refer to its legitimate business operations.

“Rather, it describes criminal conduct involving the unauthorised use or impersonation of established company and brand names,” the company said.

QNET said its legitimate operations are based on the sale of wellness and lifestyle products through direct selling, stressing that its Independent Representatives were not authorised to offer jobs, visas, overseas job placements or guaranteed income.

Sarr added: “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 authorisation.”

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

It noted that in November 2023, it 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 alleged misuse of its name.

QNET said it had also engaged institutions, including the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as part of efforts to raise awareness about fraudulent activities.

The company added that it had worked with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and various police commands on cases involving the alleged misuse of its name.

QNET urged Nigerians to verify purported offers through its official channels and avoid making upfront payments for jobs, visas, overseas employment or guaranteed financial returns.