From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Global Wellness and Direct Selling company, QNET, said it has taken note of reports concerning the arrest by the Nigeria Immigration Service of 12 individuals allegedly involved in fraudulent recruitment, irregular migration and other unlawful activities.
In a release by the company, QNET categorically rejected any description of the suspects as belonging to a “QNET/IGNITE network”. QNET and Ignite are entirely separate and unrelated entities. Ignite is not part of QNET, does not represent QNET and has no authority to conduct any activity in QNET’s name.
The release further stated, “We strongly urge all media organisations, commentators and members of the public not to confuse QNET with Ignite or inaccurately present the two organisations as being connected. Such reporting risks misleading the public and unfairly associating QNET with individuals and activities over which it has no control.”
It said that QNET has cooperated fully with the Nigeria Immigration Service and would continue to provide any relevant information requested as investigations progress. “We will continue to support the authorities as they investigate this matter and pursue any other individuals who misuse QNET’s name to facilitate fraudulent recruitment, human trafficking, irregular migration or other illegal acts.”
Law-enforcement authorities have increasingly used the term “Model Q” to describe a pattern of illegal activity in which criminal groups 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. “Model Q” does not refer to QNET’s legitimate business operations. It refers to criminal conduct carried out through the unauthorised misuse of company and brand names.
QNET does not offer employment, visas, overseas travel or guaranteed income through its Independent Distributors. The company’s legitimate business is based solely on the sale of its wellness and lifestyle products through direct selling. Any person using the QNET name to solicit money for employment, travel, migration or guaranteed financial returns is acting without QNET’s authorisation.
The release went ahead to state that Criminal groups have repeatedly exploited QNET’s name and business model to deceive vulnerable individuals. “QNET is itself a victim of this brand impersonation and has been actively working with law-enforcement authorities in Nigeria and other countries to identify perpetrators, share intelligence, support investigations and protect potential victims.”
The company commended the Nigerian immigration service for their good job. “We commend the Nigeria Immigration Service for its intelligence-led operation, the rescue of the victims and its continuing efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks. QNET remains fully committed to cooperating with the Service and other relevant authorities to ensure that those who exploit our name to commit crimes are identified and brought to justice.”
The company urged Members of the public to verify any representation involving QNET through the company’s official channels and to report suspicious employment, travel, migration or investment offers made in QNET’s name.
