Urgent action required against QNet scam in Manipur, says welfare association
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 26 2023:
The Manipur QNet Fraud Victims' Welfare Association has asserted that the state of Manipur renowned for its rich culture and heritage, is currently facing a pressing issue involving individuals who, under the guise of entrepreneurship and business ownership, have engaged in self-serving actions.
Addressing a press conference today at Manipur Press Club, Manipur QNet Fraud Victims' Welfare Association secretary Maibam Michael claimed that these individuals have established various business operations in cooperation with firms, providing false assurances and promises to lure people, including the unemployed youths of Manipur and those staying in relief camps due to the current Manipur violence.
"They exploit platforms like QNET to spin stories of massive earnings, resulting in extensive scams that have financially devastated countless individuals", he alleged.
He continued that QNet Ltd, formerly known as QuestNet and GoldQuest, has faced numerous allegations and legal challenges related to its multi-level marketing (MLM) practices on a global scale, including India.
These allegations often revolved around accusations of running a pyramid scheme or utilizing deceptive MLM practices.
"One female victim shared a distressing story of how she was reportedly enticed into the QNet scheme.
Promised substantial earnings and a secure business opportunity, she invested Rs 1.30 lakh.
Instead, she encountered a series of training sessions that left her feeling deceived.
She was even encouraged to recruit others into the scheme, contributing to the apparent pyramid-like structure", he added.
He mentioned that despite her efforts to recover her investment, her pleas were denied.
Shockingly, she discovered that many others had fallen victim to this fraudulent operation.
"Another male victim reported a similar experience.
Introduced to QNet by an acquaintance, he was promised substantial earnings and introduced to what appeared to be a reputable online business opportunity.
His investment of Rs.1.90 lakhs led to the realization that this was far from what was promised", he asserted.
Highlighting that the experiences of victims have shed light on the gravity of the situation, Michael called for- registration of FIRs against the individuals and associates responsible for the QNet scam; comprehensive investigation to uncover the full extent of these fraudulent activities and bring those responsible to justice; support and assistance for victims who have fallen prey to the QNet scheme; awareness campaigns to educate the public about MLM scams, their risks, and how to identify and avoid them; and measures to prevent associates of QNet from continuing to defraud innocent individuals in Manipur.
Seeking intervention from the Government, Maibam Michael said, "The victims, as well as the wider public, are eagerly waiting for swift action to protect their rights and prevent further exploitation by these alleged scammers" .