The company said, the operation, referred to as a “Ponzi scheme academy,” misused the QNET name and led to the arrest of 133 individuals.

“These individuals were reportedly running a fake entity under names like “Q University” or “Q-Net,” without any affiliation to QNET”, the firm said.

QNET Commends EFCC and Offers Full Support

QNET applauds the EFCC and Nigerian Army for taking swift action in exposing and arresting individuals involved in this scam.

“We are also taking immediate steps to support the investigation and prevent further misuse of our brand”, a statement by the country said.

According to the EFCC, the arrests were made following actionable intelligence on the existence of the so-called academy in the Compensation Layout area of Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

QNET Is a Victim of Brand Misuse in Nigeria

“QNET has long been a victim of fraudulent schemes in Nigeria. These scams have significantly harmed our reputation and misled many unsuspecting individuals. We reiterate that QNET is a legitimate e-commerce-based direct selling company that empowers Independent Distributors to promote high-quality wellness and lifestyle products in over 25 countries. We do not operate any financial recruitment schemes or ‘investment academies.'”

In Nigeria, QNET operates strictly within legal and regulatory frameworks through our local partner, Transblue Nigeria Limited.

Commenting on the issue, Biram Fall, regional general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, commented:

“We are deeply concerned about the continued misuse of our brand by individuals attempting to deceive the public. QNET has been a victim of fraudulent activities aimed at damaging our reputation. We urge the public to verify any claims of affiliation with QNET before getting involved. We remain committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to bring these fraudsters to justice.”

QNET’s Awareness Creation and Consumer Protection Efforts

“Since entering the Nigerian market in 2022, QNET and Transblue Nigeria Limited have prioritized financial literacy and consumer protection.

“In November 2023, we launched the Say NO! Awareness Campaign to educate the public about scams and promote responsible entrepreneurship.

“The campaign has reached thousands through multilingual billboards, radio messages, educational pamphlets, and online platforms.

“As part of this campaign, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) were also engaged.

Commitment to Law Enforcement Cooperation

QNET and Transblue Nigeria Limited have formally reached out to the EFCC to offer their full cooperation and explore opportunities for collaboration.

“We are committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and ensuring that those misusing the QNET brand are held accountable”, he said.

How the Public Can Stay Safe

To protect yourself from scams falsely linked to QNET:

• Verify all QNET-related information at: www.qnet.net
• Report suspicious activity via email: network.integrity@qnet.net or WhatsApp: +233 256 630 005
• Learn how to identify scams at: www.saynocampaign.org

“QNET remains fully committed to ethical business practices and transparency. We stand with Nigerian authorities in protecting citizens from fraud and will continue to cooperate fully to bring those misusing our brand to justice”, he added.

QNET, a lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has launched the “Say NO” public awareness campaign.

This initiative aims to educate communities about the dangers of fake job offers used by fraudsters to lure members of the public into human trafficking.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) defines Human trafficking as a global crime that trades in people and exploits them for profit.

People of all genders, ages and backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world.

Traffickers use violence, fraudulent employment agencies, and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick, coerce and deceive their victims.

Across Africa and in Nigeria, reputable companies such as QNET, Coca-Cola and even the West African Development Bank (BOAD) have fallen victim to scammers who use their reputable names to deceitfully promise non-existent jobs to members of the public for purposes of exploitation (1 2 3).

The lack of awareness about such scams and about Human Trafficking are, therefore, a key challenge in the fight against the vice.

Addressing the issue of Human Trafficking and its impact on society, Mr. Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, said;

“Human Trafficking not only destroys the lives of victims and communities, and it is regrettable that scammers often use the names of reputable companies such as QNet to promise fake jobs. We therefore believe that the private sector should support the efforts of states to tackle the vice, and the ‘Say NO’ Awareness Campaign is our contribution. It seeks to empower communities with the knowledge and awareness they need to “Say No!” to the traffickers who want to rob them of their future. “

The Nigerian Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has made sustained efforts to combat human trafficking.

A United States Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report shows that Nigeria has been placed on Tier 2, reflecting significant governmental endeavours.

The report indicates an increase in the identification of trafficking victims, rising from 935 in the previous reporting period to 1,634 in 2023.

Addressing the matter, Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, the Nigerian partner of QNET, said;

“The Nigerian government, in collaboration with NAPTIP and other relevant agencies, have shown unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking. Their dedicated efforts can be seen in the increased identification of trafficking victims, which showcases a proactive stance in addressing this critical issue.

The Say NO campaign aims to amplify these efforts by educating the youth in Nigeria on recognizing and avoiding fraudulent job offers. Empowering the younger generation with knowledge is essential in fortifying our collective stand against human trafficking, and I believe this campaign will contribute significantly to that endeavour.”

The “Say NO” campaign shall be implemented in several countries, starting with Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Senegal. It consists of a public education campaign that will use radio, billboards, pamphlets and other activities aimed at sensitizing communities, especially in regions where the prevalence of fake job scams is high.

QNET has implemented several measures to prevent the use of its platforms to perpetrate fraud.

This includes the implementation of customer identification technology that blocks users from buying products or referring customers from a country different from their own.

With this technology, only users with verified identity documents can refer other customers, and those who are in breach of the company code of conduct are removed from the network.

Any individual found fraudulently using the company’s name shall be reported to the authorities, and QNet will seek full punishment according to the law.

In addition to these, the company trains its Independent Representatives on its products, ethical practices and entrepreneurial skills, thereby empowering them to generate income for themselves and their families by referring customers to QNet.

Signifying an essential milestone in QNET’s firm commitment to empowering individuals and communities through the power of financial knowledge, the FinGreen graduation ceremony was a fitting tribute to the dedicated participants who completed the second phase of the program. 

These individuals have gained invaluable financial knowledge and skills, propelling them toward a future where they can make informed financial decisions and manage their resources effectively.

Biram Fall, Regional General Manager of QNET’s Sub-Saharan Africa region, expressed immense pride in the impact achieved by FinGreen Nigeria in just two short months. He highlighted the interactive workshops and the unique train-the-trainer approach that empowered 25 FinGreen Ambassadors to educate over 750 young individuals in essential financial principles through the peer-to-peer module.

“This initiative not only imparts practical insights into budgeting, savings, investment, and entrepreneurship but also cultivates informed decision-making. We firmly believe in promoting entrepreneurship and enhancing financial inclusion among youths to fuel economic growth and development, and the success of FinGreen Phase 2 stands as a testament to this commitment. Our heartfelt encouragement goes to the beneficiaries to become knowledge beacons, sharing their learnings within their communities,” he said. 

FinGreen, QNET’s signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in Nigeria, aims to equip Nigerian youths and women with the financial literacy skills needed to achieve financial freedom. It seeks to train 6,000 young Nigerians in essential financial skills, including saving, budgeting, investment, entrepreneurial employability, and identifying financial opportunities.

Ajisafe Abiodun Hakeem, CEO and Managing Director of Transblue Nigeria Limited, shared his vision for FinGreen, which extends far beyond the initial goal of training 6,000 individuals. He emphasized that true economic impact in Nigeria can only be achieved by equipping citizens with the right financial knowledge. By doing so, people can make informed decisions, even in challenging economic times.

The execution of this training program, which aligns with the United Nations SDGs and the Addis Ababa Agenda to provide adequate skills and proper developmental training for all, particularly for youth, women and entrepreneurs, was made possible through invaluable partnerships. 

Financial Literacy For All (FLFA), the program’s Content and Training partner, played a commendable role in developing all the training materials. They also conducted the Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for the 25 alumni who would become FinGreen Ambassadors.

Another crucial partner, the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), was responsible for recruiting, assessing, and tracking the participants’ performance. Their efforts were instrumental in monitoring learning outcomes and gauging development in various areas.

One of the standout features of FinGreen is its peer-to-peer training model. Young participants are trained to become FinGreen Ambassadors, who, in turn, train others within their communities. This ripple effect is at the heart of Fingreen’s mission to alleviate poverty in Nigeria.

FinGreen’s success is evident in its remarkable achievements. In its inaugural phase, 20 Ambassadors were trained, and they went on to train 572 participants. Now, in Phase 2, 25 Ambassadors have emerged, and over 700 participants have received training in their communities. In total, FinGreen has empowered around 1,500 young people across Lagos, Ogun State, Osun, and Oyo states.

Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director at CADEF, highlighted the importance of educating individuals not only in financial literacy but also in understanding that wealth encompasses physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual well-being. This holistic approach to wealth creation is what can drive lasting change.

“The reason a lot of us don’t understand what to do with what is in our hands is because most of us have not been taught. Being taught financial literacy, it’s very important for everybody. They say in Nigeria we have a lot of problems which means there’s a lot of solutions waiting to be developed. Every problem has a solution or more than one solution. So this is creating opportunities in people’s minds to see and focus on solutions, not problems. Starting here, it’s something that takes us way ahead into the future of Nigeria,” she noted.

Laja Shoniran, Executive Director of Financial Literacy for All, recognizes the dire need for financial literacy not only in Nigeria but across Africa. In contrast to countries like the United States, where financial literacy is highly promoted, there’s a lack of stability in financial education programs in Nigeria. The work being done by FinGreen is poised to change that narrative.

“Financial literacy is very key to every one of us no matter what level you are. Unfortunately, all across the world, it’s in dire need. In America, they have a whole month dedicated to financial literacy. That’s to tell you how important it is. But in Nigeria and Africa at large, we don’t have such, although some African countries such as Namibia, Ghana and Nigeria have tried it, but it’s not stable.”

FinGreen is Investing in the Future 

Among the graduates of the program, three participants stood out for their exceptional performance during peer-to-peer training. They were awarded seed funding and e-learning vouchers for courses on QNET’s learning platform. The first runner-up received N500,000, the second runner-up received N750,000, and the winner received N1 million.

Temitope Glory Adesemowo, the program’s winner, is determined to pass on the legacy of wealth creation to the next generation. She recognizes that true wealth is not just about being rich; it’s about creating a lasting impact through wise investments and financial discipline. 

On what made her standout, she said: “I was myself all through the program, not trying to impress. I had my mind set on doing this and doing this well, my priority was not about me doing it well, but making sure that my students understood what I was going there to do. Even when it wasn’t convenient for me, I had my mind set up on these people understanding what I was going there to do. I achieved that.”

She attributes her success to her mentors and supportive family who played an important role in her journey.

“The seed capital is not just about creating an initial boost; it’s about setting an example,” Ajisafe Abiodun Hakeem, CEO and Managing Director of Transblue Limited said. “QNET and Transblue recognize that entrepreneurship and self-reliance are key to economic growth. Therefore, they support participants through internships and mentorship until they can start their businesses.”

FinGreen’s second-phase graduation is not just a celebration of individual achievements but also a reiteration of the transformative power of financial literacy. QNET, Transblue, and partners are lighting the way toward a brighter and more financially empowered future for Nigeria’s youth. Through knowledge sharing, mentorship, and a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, they are sowing the seeds of economic growth and sustainable development in the nation.

The event brought together distinguished guests, esteemed partners, members of the press, and key stakeholders, highlighting the companies’ shared commitment to empowering lives and fostering well-being in Nigeria.

A Year of Empowering Partnerships

The conference commenced with an introduction from Mr. Abiodun Akeem Ajisafe, CEO of Transblue Nigeria Limited, celebrating the one-year alliance between QNET and Transblue. 

This partnership has been driven by the synergy of local expertise, navigating regulatory compliance, and strengthening distribution networks to ensure seamless product delivery. Notably, the collaboration extends beyond business goals, emphasizing social impact achievements that uplift communities and bring about meaningful differences in Nigeria’s society.

“We stand united in our commitment to empowering lives and fostering well-being in Nigeria through the robust Transblue-QNET partnership,” Mr. Ajisafe stated.

Impactful Social Initiatives

Under the banner of social impact, QNET and Transblue have spearheaded several initiatives that have touched the lives of many Nigerians. One notable success is the FinGreen program, which provided financial literacy training to over 600 youths, empowering them to make informed financial decisions and avoid fraud. 

Additionally, the companies have displayed unwavering corporate philanthropy, extending generous donations to Bab Es Salaam Orphanage and The Little Saints Orphanage. Their dedication to nurturing local talent was demonstrated through the Manchester City Football Clinic, benefitting 26 young footballers with coaching by Nigerian football legend Johannes Bonfrère.

QNET Product Expo: A Gateway to Holistic Well-being

During the conference, Mr. Biram Fall, Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa representing QNET, shared the company’s regional perspective and reaffirmed QNET’s commitment to providing high-quality products that promote well-being and enrich lifestyles. 

Mr. Fall underscored QNET’s adherence to the highest ethical and legal standards in all the countries they operate, emphasizing the company’s efforts to address any misinformation and maintain open communication with stakeholders.

Excitingly, Mr. Fall announced the forthcoming Product Expo, scheduled for August 5th to 6th, at the 10 Degrees Events Centre in Lagos. The Expo promises an array of life-enhancing wellness and lifestyle products, showcasing QNET’s commitment to empowering independent entrepreneurs worldwide. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the latest offerings and demos, embracing a holistic approach to wellness and personal development.

“The Product Expo will showcase some of our life-enhancing wellness and lifestyle products, providing our distributors and stakeholders the opportunity to see and see our products and watch the demos. After 25 years, QNET remains passionate about building a network of independent entrepreneurs who love our products and advocate for their life-enhancing benefits,” Mr. Fall said.

Introducing Amezcua: Innovative Lifestyle Enhancers

Dr. Shafi Shaik, Product Specialist for Energy, introduced the Amezcua product line, reflecting on its key milestones and technological advancements over the years. 

Amezcua Chi Pendant 4

The star of the show was the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, powered by the proprietary Amezcua Resonance Technology (ART). 

Within its unisex design, featuring the sacred geometry of the Flower of Life pattern, the Chi Pendant 4 harnesses subtle energies that harmonize and balance the wearer’s biofield, promoting whole-body health and optimal performance for today’s busy lifestyles.

Enhancing Wellness with Amezcua Bio Disc 3 and Amezcua Bio Light 3

Amezcua Bio Disc 3, another remarkable offering, has revolutionized water enhancement and cell detoxification. With its biophoton technology, this product reflects different states of health and diseases, enhancing overall well-being and extending the shelf life of various products.

Amezcua Bio Light 3, on the other hand, embraces a spectrum of colors, each with its unique therapeutic benefits. From elevating mood to improving blood circulation and easing pain, the Bio Light 3’s ergonomic design and versatility make it a valuable wellness companion.

Transforming Lives Today

The QNET-TRANSBLUE Press Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, has marked a significant milestone in the journey of empowering lives and fostering well-being. As these transformative products make their way to the Nigerian market, they hold the promise of uplifting communities, transforming lifestyles, and creating a positive impact in the lives of countless Nigerians. With the Product Expo just around the corner, individuals from all walks of life have the opportunity to experience the future of holistic wellness, one breakthrough product at a time.

Facts about QNET

• QNET is a global direct-selling company that provides high-quality products in diverse industries, from health and wellness to personal care and lifestyle. 
• With a mission to enable individuals to lead better lives, QNET empowers entrepreneurs worldwide through its grassroots business model, rooted in ethics, transparency, and sustainability.

Three reports against QNET under fraud allegations were filed on November 1 2022, May 4 2023, and May 19 2023, respectively.

QNET has engaged a legal team to address the items in the reports, and is fully cooperating with the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in the investigations on the allegations of fraud and money scams.

Biram Fall, Regional Manager for QNET Sub-Saharan Africa, says,

“We take allegations of illegal or fraudulent activity very seriously and will take strong action against anyone found to be misrepresenting QNET. We are actively working with local law enforcement agencies and government bodies to ensure the company is not misrepresented by parties intending to deceive using the QNET brand. On the three reports filed against QNET, we have transferred all documents required to prosecute the case and are in touch with authorities to combat negative allegations against the business.”               

Fall reiterates that QNET holds its employees and distributors to the highest ethical standards and implements strict policies and procedures to protect customers from unlawful, fraudulent, or unprofessional behaviour.

QNET is not an employment agency, nor will we make offers of “guaranteed income” or “travel opportunities” in exchange for money. As a direct selling company, QNET provides a safe, legitimate business model where distributors earn an income only by selling our high-quality, life-enhancing products. If you are approached by someone claiming to be from QNET and promising employment or travel opportunities in exchange for payment or administrative charges, please exercise caution and contact the relevant authorities or QNET’s Network Integrity team immediately,”

Fall adds.

Through collaboration with stakeholders, the company actively works towards raising awareness and educating the public about identifying scams. Notably, QNET launched a highly successful anti-scam education campaign called “Mama Campaign” last year. This comprehensive initiative utilised various media channels such as radio, television, social media, print media, and billboards to effectively communicate QNET’s business model and emphasise the warning signs associated with fraudulent activities. Recognised as the Grand Winner at the prestigious NYX Video Awards 2022, the campaign garnered praise for its creative delivery of concise information, making a significant educational impact on the public. QNET remains steadfast in its commitment to combat misrepresentation and empower individuals with the knowledge needed to distinguish legitimate opportunities from scams.

Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director and CEO of Transblue Limited, says:

“Since our partnership with QNET began in 2022, we have made it our aim to show Nigerians that it is an accredited direct-selling company of heritage with a global footprint. Its superb product and service portfolios allow entrepreneurs to create their businesses by becoming a distributor or an Independent Representative, which requires a nominal fee. It is an entrepreneurial opportunity accordingly, and not a job offer.”

QNET is one of Asia leading direct-selling companies offering a wide range of health, wellness and lifestyle products that enable people to live better lives. QNET’s grass-roots business model, fuelled by e-commerce, has helped empower millions of entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Since its inception 25 years ago, the company has operated a unique business model that allows individuals, including women, to start their businesses and earn an income by selling the company’s products.