QNET Condemns Alleged Fraud Operation Reported in Kono

QNET has condemned the alleged misuse of its name and business model in a reported fraud operation in Kono District, Sierra Leone, involving people described in reports as suspected QNET operatives and foreign nationals reportedly under police protection.

The company said it welcomed the intervention of the Sierra Leone Police and would work with relevant authorities to establish the facts and address any unauthorized use of its identity.

Company rejects employment and travel offers

QNET said its legitimate operations are based on a product-focused direct selling model. Under that model, Independent Distributors promote and sell QNET products.

The company stressed that it does not provide overseas employment, job placements, visa processing, travel arrangements or guaranteed income opportunities. It said people presenting QNET as a provider of such services are acting against company policy and without authorization.

“We are concerned by reports of individuals allegedly being lured through promises of overseas opportunities and subsequently requiring police protection,” said Cherif Sarr, QNET’s Regional General Manager for the Central and West Africa Region.

“QNET has consistently maintained that employment, visa and travel offers are not part of our business model. We welcome the intervention of the Sierra Leone Police and remain committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities to establish the facts, support efforts to protect affected individuals and address any misuse or misrepresentation of the QNET name,” Sarr added.

Warning against misuse of QNET identity

QNET said it condemns attempts to use its name, brand or business model for fraud, human trafficking, unlawful recruitment or other criminal activity.

The company said it has a compliance framework under which individuals may face disciplinary measures, including suspension or termination, if violations within its network are established. It also said it would provide information and clarification to help authorities distinguish legitimate QNET operations from unauthorized activity.

QNET uses the term “Model Q” to describe criminal methods involving the misuse or impersonation of its name and business model. The company said Model Q is not part of its legitimate business.

Public awareness efforts

QNET said its QNET Against Scams campaign in Sierra Leone is intended to help people identify fraudulent activities carried out in the company’s name. The initiative has used television, radio, online news portals, social media, print media, billboards, digital media crawlers and online advertising, according to the company.

The company encouraged members of the public to verify any employment, travel, visa or financial opportunity presented in its name before paying money or sharing personal information.

QNET also cited a formal memorandum of understanding with Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office, or EOCO, as part of its stated efforts to combat fraudulent schemes. The company said the partnership covers areas including support for investigations, disruption of criminal operations, information sharing, public awareness and capacity building.

QNET said it was prepared to engage law enforcement, government stakeholders, media organizations and communities in Sierra Leone on public education, information sharing and fraud prevention.

The supplied reports do not establish the identities or roles of the people described as suspected operatives, the number or circumstances of the foreign nationals reportedly under protection, or whether arrests, charges or prosecutions have taken place.