QNET launches media campaign in Gambia to counter fraud and brand misuse

By Staff Reporter

QNET has launched a media outreach campaign in The Gambia aimed at addressing what it describes as widespread misinformation and fraudulent schemes carried out in its name across West Africa.

Speaking at a workshop for journalists at the Ocean Bay Hotel on Friday, Cherif Abdoulaye Sarr, QNET’s Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the initiative seeks to correct persistent narratives that have damaged the company’s reputation.

“QNET wants to be judged by the quality, safety and usefulness of its wellness, lifestyle and technology products, not by rumours, copy-cat fraudsters or misinformed commentary,” he said.

The company, which describes itself as an e-commerce–driven direct seller, offers products including wellness devices, nutritional supplements, personal care items, luxury watches, water and air purification systems, travel memberships and online education tools.

Mr Abdoulaye said independent distributors earn commissions only when products are sold to real customers, insisting the model is built on repeat use and customer satisfaction rather than speculative entry fees.

He acknowledged that the company’s name has become entangled in fraudulent job promises, illegal recruitment schemes and money-circles operated by individuals with no link to QNET.

“Anyone asking for large, upfront ‘visa’ or ‘job placement’ fees in QNET’s name is acting fraudulently and outside company policy,” he said.

QNET has long faced accusations of operating a pyramid scheme, but Mr Abdoulaye rejected the claim, arguing that such schemes rely on endless recruitment and do not offer genuine products.

He pointed to the company’s multi-category product portfolio, retail pricing structure and income tied to product sales as distinguishing factors. He added that many complaints arise from false promises by rogue distributors or misunderstandings about direct selling.

The company also promotes its endorsements and partnerships—including affiliations with health food and supplement associations in Hong Kong and Singapore, and sponsorship ties with Manchester City and the Confederation of African Football—as evidence that it meets regulatory and reputational requirements.

During the workshop, QNET outlined its broader media engagement strategy in West Africa, which includes annual trips for journalists to its headquarters and global conference in Malaysia, regular in-country briefings, webinars and the sharing of product information and policy updates. Company officials from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Malaysia attended the session.

Mr Abdoulaye also highlighted QNET’s ongoing collaboration with security agencies to dismantle fraudulent operations. In Ghana, the company works with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), a partnership that has led to multiple arrests and prosecutions. QNET says it plans to pursue similar cooperation with police and immigration services across West Africa.

The company’s “QNET Against Scams” campaign, active in several countries including Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, uses radio, television, newspapers, online adverts and billboards to warn the public against fake job offers and human trafficking schemes carried out under its name.

QNET urged Gambians to report suspicious activity via its hotline or email.