This type of business model has existed for more than a century. However, in the past 20 years or so, this industry has made inroads in new markets in many emerging economies in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Biram Fall, regional general manager of the sub-Saharan Africa business, stated, “We offer our opportunity on a 100% e-commerce platform. We truly don’t need to be present everywhere in the world, but we have customers in over 100 countries worldwide and operate in 25 offices scattered around the world.”

Fall discussed the company’s staying power and growth plans. “We are here to stay, and we hope to multiply our sales tenfold within the next three to four years. The potential is there, and we will do our utmost to lay the foundation,” he stated. Fall explained that the goal is to enlighten everyone about the realities of direct selling. “We train and coach our independent representatives,keep a close watch on those that we think are likely to tarnish our image, and take a stern action against those who do.”

Recently, in Benin, West Africa, the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism acquitted three independent representatives accused of committing fraud. Fall stated that the company “is dedicated to preserving its integrity, clearing its name, and rebuilding its reputation in Benin.”

Fall added, “QNET does not make offers of ‘guaranteed income’ or jobs with fixed salaries for its independent representatives. [It] does not authorize illegal gatherings and does not engage in human trafficking of any kind. [It] is not a travel agency and does not offer employment opportunities in exchange for payment.”

The company denounced the actions of seven people arrested in Nasarawa state, Nigeria, accused of falsely claiming to be independent representatives. Fall stated the company “condemns such actions in the strongest terms and reiterates that they violate our business principles and values.”

He added that the company “will not rest until we rout out fraudulent behavior within our network. We will continue to strengthen our compliance and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all representatives uphold the integrity of our brand. We will continue our mission of empowering lives and promoting entrepreneurship while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethics through our genuine business opportunities.”

Education and Awareness?

It’s sad that some unscrupulous individuals acting independently have used the QNET name for their own nefarious purposes, which reflects poorly on the legitimate product company.

Another complication, according to CEO Malou Caluza, “is a lack of awareness and legal framework to help the public differentiate between the genuine companies and pyramid schemes.” A pyramid scheme is a form of investment requiring participants to recruit more participants. Money is given to early participants using the money contributed by later participants. This type of financial scam is illegal in most countries.

“Distributors are present in many different regions around the world; that is why QNET offers a diverse portfolio to suit different demographics,” says Caluza. Additionally, the company works with international vendors to design unique, high-quality, and advanced technology products only available via QNET.

The direct selling product company is not a scam and complies with local regulations in any country where it operates, it pays taxes, and it contributes to numerous philanthropic activities. It also instills a strict code of professional conduct in its independent representatives and penalizes those who violate its policies and procedures.” The company has a comprehensive code of ethics based on its policies and procedures; all distributors must follow it.?

Why Is QNET Illegal in India?

QNET is not illegal in India. However, it has been the victim of a misinformation campaign throughout India. The truth is the company isn’t banned in any region that welcomes direct selling.

The business has worked tirelessly to set the record straight. And the company was cleared of wrongdoings by multiple courts in India. In 2017, the Indian Karnataka High Court rejected cybercrime complaints against it. The court determined that direct selling, specifically QNET, doesn’t fit the category of Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act (PCMC Act), 1978. That’s why it operates legally in India.

Justice Anand Byrareddy stated, “The instant case is a typical case where criminal legislation which are not even remotely applicable to the circumstances of the case have been invoked to substantiate the charges.”

Byrareddy continued, “The dispute, if at all, is between a consumer and a direct seller and (is) out to be adjudicated under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act. As a consequence, the First Information Report and the charge sheet are unsustainable and deserve to be quashed.”

However, some countries, including the Sultanate of Oman in the Middle East, prohibit direct selling. That’s the result of pyramid schemes posing as network marketing operations. To help the public understand the difference between legitimate direct selling and fraudulent pyramid schemes, QNET uses information and awareness campaigns. The company also educates its independent representatives on conducting business ethically and professionally.?

Its core curriculum helps motivated entrepreneurs to become the highest quality product representatives. The comprehensive training program teaches independent representatives to understand the company, the policies, procedures, the code of conduct, and the responsibility of an independent representative.

The product company does operate in Dubai through a business license with a locally registered entity and has three offices in the United Arab Emirates. The local operations of QNET in Dubai act as the regional hub for the company’s operations in the Middle East and North Africa region.?

For more information on the company and the direct selling industry, check out the “Real Talk With QNET” podcast, available on major platforms such as QBuzz, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.