QNET has rejected claims linking it to Ignite, describing the organisation as unaffiliated with its business, while expressing support for the Nigeria Immigration Service’s crackdown on an alleged recruitment syndicate.
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QNET has dissociated itself from reports linking it to an alleged criminal syndicate recently uncovered by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), insisting that the suspects arrested have no affiliation with the company or its business operations.
The company’s reaction followed reports of the arrest of 12 individuals allegedly involved in fraudulent recruitment, irregular migration and other unlawful activities, in which references were made to a purported ”QNET/IGNITE network.”
In a statement, QNET categorically rejected any description of the suspects as belonging to such a network, stressing that Ignite is a separate and unrelated entity with no authority to act on behalf of the company.
“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 company stated.
It urged media organisations, commentators and members of the public to avoid conflating the two entities, warning that such reports could mislead the public and unfairly associate the company with criminal activities beyond its control.
QNET also disclosed that it has been cooperating with the Nigeria Immigration Service and would continue to provide any relevant information required as investigations progress.
The company pledged continued support for authorities investigating those allegedly using its name to facilitate fraudulent recruitment, human trafficking, irregular migration and other illegal activities.
According to QNET, law enforcement agencies have increasingly used the term “Model Q” to describe a pattern of criminal activity in which fraudsters impersonate legitimate direct-selling companies and other established brands to lure victims with false promises of employment, overseas travel, migration opportunities or guaranteed income.
It emphasised that “Model Q” does not refer to QNET’s legitimate business operations but rather to the unauthorised misuse of company and brand names by criminal groups.
The company maintained that it does not offer employment, visas, overseas travel or guaranteed financial returns through its Independent Distributors, noting that its business is based solely on the direct sale of wellness and lifestyle products.
“Any person using the QNET name to solicit money for employment, travel, migration or guaranteed financial returns is acting without QNET’s authorisation,” the statement added.
QNET further described itself as a victim of brand impersonation, saying criminal groups have repeatedly exploited its name and business model to deceive vulnerable individuals.
It noted that it has been working with law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and other countries by sharing intelligence, supporting investigations and helping to identify those behind such fraudulent schemes.
The company also commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for what it described as an intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of the suspects and the rescue of victims.
It reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Service and other relevant authorities to ensure that individuals exploiting the company’s name for criminal purposes are identified and brought to justice.
QNET also advised members of the public to verify any representation involving the company through its official channels and report suspicious employment, travel, migration or investment offers made in its name.
