By Juliet Umeh

Global wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company, QNET, has commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for its recent operation in Lagos State that led to the rescue of several individuals and the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in human trafficking, unlawful detention and fraudulent activities.

The company, while reacting to reports of the operation, condemned all forms of human trafficking, fraud, exploitation and other criminal acts, stressing that such activities are contrary to its values and business principles.

In a statement made available to Vanguard, QNET praised the NSCDC for its swift intervention and commitment to protecting victims and bringing suspected perpetrators to justice.

The company, however, clarified that it does not offer employment opportunities, overseas job placements, visa processing services, migration assistance or guaranteed financial returns in exchange for payment.

According to QNET, any individual or group making such claims is acting without the knowledge, authorisation or consent of the company.

Commenting on the incident, Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at QNET, Mr. Biram Fall, expressed sympathy for those affected and urged members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters who exploit vulnerable individuals through false promises.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate situation,” Fall said.

“We wish to reiterate that QNET does not offer jobs, overseas employment opportunities, visa services, or financial guarantees in exchange for payment. These are among the most common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals.

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant, verify information through our official channels, and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our brand remain top priorities for QNET.”

The company noted that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, misrepresentation and unethical conduct, adding that it actively enforces its Code of Ethics and Compliance Framework across its operations.

QNET further stated that disciplinary measures are taken against any Independent Distributor found to be in breach of its policies and ethical standards.

The company explained that since commencing operations in Nigeria through its local partner, Transblue Limited, in 2022, it has intensified collaboration with government institutions, consumer protection agencies, law enforcement bodies and the media to combat scams and misinformation linked to its brand.

According to the company, one of its major interventions was the launch of the “Say NO!” Anti-Fraud Campaign in November 2023, designed to raise awareness about fraudulent schemes and educate the public on how to identify and avoid scams.

QNET also highlighted its partnerships with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment as part of broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection and public awareness.

The company noted that similar anti-fraud initiatives have been rolled out across several African countries, including Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone under its wider QNET Against Scams campaign.

It explained that the programmes are aimed at helping communities identify legitimate business opportunities, recognise common scam tactics and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes perpetrated in the company’s name.

Reaffirming its commitment to ethical entrepreneurship and consumer protection, QNET said it would continue to work closely with governments, regulators, law enforcement agencies, media organisations and civil society groups across Africa to tackle fraud and protect consumers.

The company urged members of the public to verify information about its products, services and business model through its official channels before making any commitments.

It also encouraged individuals who encounter suspicious recruitment activities, fraudulent job offers, visa schemes or any misuse of the QNET brand to report such incidents through its compliance and integrity channels.

“All reports are handled confidentially and investigated in accordance with our compliance procedures,” the company stated.

QNET said suspected cases could be reported through its dedicated compliance channels as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers and preserve the integrity of its operations.

The company reiterated that public awareness, collaboration with authorities and continuous consumer education remain critical in the fight against fraud and human trafficking across the continent.