QNET has condemned the alleged misuse of its name in a suspected fraud operation in Kono District, reiterating that the company does not provide overseas employment, visa processing or travel opportunities.
The international lifestyle and wellness company issued the clarification following reports involving individuals described as suspected QNET operatives and several foreign nationals said to be under police protection.
In a statement dated September 23, 2026, QNET said it strongly opposed any attempt to use its name, brand or business model to deceive members of the public or engage in fraud, human trafficking, unlawful recruitment or other criminal activities.
The company stressed that overseas employment, job placements, visa processing, travel arrangements and guaranteed income opportunities are not part of its operations.
According to QNET, its legitimate business is based on a product-focused direct selling model in which Independent Distributors promote and sell its products in accordance with established company policies and its Code of Ethics.
QNET said anyone presenting the company as a provider of employment, overseas travel, visa arrangements or guaranteed financial opportunities is acting outside its policies and without authorization.
Cherif Sarr, Regional General Manager for QNET Central and West Africa Region, expressed concern over reports that individuals had allegedly been attracted by promises of opportunities abroad and subsequently required police protection.
“We are concerned by reports of individuals allegedly being lured through promises of overseas opportunities and subsequently requiring police protection. QNET has consistently maintained that employment, visa and travel offers are not part of our business model,” Cherif Sarr said.
He added that the company welcomed the intervention of the Sierra Leone Police and is prepared to cooperate with the relevant authorities to establish the facts, protect affected individuals and address any misuse or misrepresentation of the QNET name.
QNET said it operates a compliance framework designed to prevent fraudulent recruitment, misleading representations and other unlawful activities carried out using its identity or business model. Where violations involving people within its network are established, the company said disciplinary measures could include suspension or termination.
The company also highlighted its “QNET Against Scams” public education campaign in Sierra Leone, which seeks to help people identify fraudulent schemes using the QNET name and distinguish such activities from its legitimate operations.
According to the company, the campaign has been carried through television, radio, newspapers, online news platforms, social media and billboards in Freetown and other major cities. Messages have also been broadcast through the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation and promoted through digital advertising.
QNET said similar public awareness campaigns have been undertaken in other West African countries, including Ghana and Senegal.
The company further drew attention to what it calls “Model Q,” a term it uses to describe criminal methods in which individuals allegedly impersonate or misuse the QNET name and business model in connection with fraudulent employment schemes, human trafficking, illegal migration and related activities.
QNET maintained that “Model Q” should not be confused with its legitimate product-based direct selling operations.
The company encouraged the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to continue investigating the reported activities in Kono and said it is available to provide information that could help distinguish legitimate operations from activities carried out by individuals misusing its name.
QNET also expressed willingness to establish longer-term cooperation with Sierra Leonean authorities and other stakeholders on public education, information sharing and fraud prevention.
It cited its partnership with Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office as an example. Under that arrangement, QNET said both parties cooperate on efforts aimed at combating fraudulent schemes involving brand impersonation, fake job offers, illegal migration and human trafficking.
The company believes a similar approach, adapted to Sierra Leone, could strengthen efforts to protect communities and prevent legitimate brands from being exploited for fraudulent activities.
Members of the public are advised to independently verify employment, travel, visa or financial opportunities presented in QNET’s name before making payments or providing personal information.
QNET said suspected misuse of its name can be reported through its official channels, including its website, network.integrity@qnet.net and its WhatsApp Compliance Hotline on +233 256 630 005.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement agencies, Government institutions, the media and communities in Sierra Leone to improve public awareness and protect people from fraudulent schemes carried out in the name of legitimate businesses.
