Qnet
Qnet Ltd, formerly known as QuestNet and GoldQuest, is a Hong Kong-based multi-level marketing (MLM) company owned by the QI Group.[2] QNet was founded in 1998 by Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark. The company's products include energy, weight management, nutrition, personal care, home care and fashion accessories on an e-commerce platform.[3]
Type | Wholly owned subsidiary |
---|---|
Industry | Multi-level marketing |
Founded | 1998 |
Founder | Vijay Eswaran |
Headquarters | Hong Kong |
Key people | Malou Caluza (CEO) |
Products | Consumer Goods, Watches, Health Devices |
Services | Travel, life style, Education |
Number of employees | 1,500[1] (2017) |
Parent | Qi Group |
Website | www |
The company operates legally in some countries, but has been charged as a Ponzi scheme and multi-level marketing in countries like India.[4][5][6] The government of India and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India banned the site in the country after a protest spread in Bangalore.[7][8][9]
History
1998 - 2000
QNet was founded in 1998 in Hong Kong by businessmen Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark.[10][11] Though born and brought up in Malaysia, Eswaran undertook his higher education in the United Kingdom where he learned how multi-level marketing schemes work.
The company was first known as GoldQuest and then QuestNet before the name was shortened to QNet in 2010.[12][13] In the beginning, it made custom-commissioned commemorative coins and later began selling jewellery and watches.[13][14] In 1999, Qnet expanded its operations to Malaysia and Singapore and began a partnership with B.H. Mayer's Mint, a German-based mint coin facility.[15] By 2002, the company was active in India, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Eastern Europe.[15]
In 2000, Qnet was the official distributor of the Sydney Olympic Games commemorative coins.[16] It was later named a distributor of FIFA’s Centennial Commemorative coin set in 2004[16] and a distributor at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
2001 - 2018
The company expanded its operations to Dubai, India, Indonesia and Thailand in 2001. Qnet started to diversify its products in 2002 into travel and vacations by partnering with QVI Club brand holidays.[17] During this time, the company also announced that it was the official coin distributor for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and an expansion into Europe, Australia and Sri Lanka.[18]
In 2005, QI Group acquired QI Comm, a British telecommunications company.[13] That same year, the company introduced aspIRe Magazine and announced that there were one million Qnet independent representatives around the world.[15] In 2006, Qnet began marketing energy, health and nutritional products.[19] Also in 2006, QI Group acquired Prana Resorts and Spa, a vegetarian holiday resort in Koh Samui.[20] QI Group also acquired the Swiss watchmaker, Cimier.[21] In 2007, the QI Group acquired Down To Earth (DTE), a vegetarian organic health store chain in Hawaii.[22][23]
The company announced its sponsorship of Team Meritus, a Malaysian motor racing team, and became a sponsor for the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting Business Forum in 2007.[24]
From 2009 to 2012, Qnet was an official sponsor of the Asian Football Confederation during the AFC Champions League. In 2010, the company partnered with Virgin Racing.[25] Qnet received the TRUSTe Privacy Certification in late 2012.[26] Qnet announced its intention to shift its manufacturing operations to India and to open an office in Russia in 2013.[27][28] The company's QI Tower in Malaysia received the 2013 Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Gold Award.[29] In 2014, Qnet started a three-year partnership with Manchester City football club to become the club's official direct selling partner.[30] The deal was then expanded in 2017,[31] and signed a similar deal with the Confederation of African Football in 2018.[30]
Since it opened in 1998, Qnet (Questnet at the time) promoted gold and silver coins. The coin collection business was outlawed in some countries. Though registered in Hong Kong, the company has never operated there or in China. Its majority customer base remains in India and a few African countries. A few years later Questnet changed its name to Qnet and offered additional products via the MLM system.[32] It promotes its products using claims "that would not pass official muster in much of the world."[13] Despite claiming to be an e-commerce based business, an ordinary retail customer can purchase a product only if they have a referrer ID of an independent Qnet representative. Qnet used websites such as www.Qnetindia.in, www.Qnetindia.net, www.Qnet.net and www.questnet.net to conduct its business. These were blocked by Indian Computer emergency response team (CERT) following a court order. Other websites like portal.Qnetindia.net, are under investigation.[33][34]
The company continues to operate in countries including India, and sells its products using a multi-level marketing model, whereby independent representatives refer the products to consumers and receive compensation based on the sales volume of their referrals and the sales volume of other independent representatives in their teams.[13]
The company has operations in 25 countries worldwide with offices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, and Ireland. The company also has franchise companies in India and Turkey.[35]
It was sued by Egypt, Rwanda,[36] and Sri Lanka[37][38] for allegedly operating a product-based pyramid scheme. The company and its franchise Vihaan are under investigation in India.[39] The Bombay High Court denied the anticipatory bail plea of the directors of Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt Ltd., a franchise of Qnet, which included world amateur billiards champion Michael Ferreira after it was earlier rejected by Sessions Court. They were facing charges of cheating and forgery[40] The court observed that "the deceit and fraud is camouflaged under the name of e-marketing and business".[41] The Delhi High Court also called it a multi-victim scam and refused to quash FIR against the directors of Indian franchise of Qnet, Vihaan Direct Selling Private Limited.[42] The Serious Fraud Investigation Office, in its report on GoldQuest and QuestNet India has called multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes run by overseas operators as "a potential threat to national security". The Government of India ordered the Serious Fraud Investigation Office to file prosecution against GoldQuest International and QuestNet Enterprise under the Companies Act and Indian Penal Code.[43] A brief executive summary of the SFIO report is now available in the public domain.[44] The company has denied the allegations.[13]
Business model
Customers can choose to become "independent representatives" (IRs) of the company by paying $10 for a starter kit and an online office. IRs receive $250 commission after they introduce the products to six people, placing three people on their left and three people on their right, described as two 'legs'. When an IR introduces a new customer who then becomes an IR themselves, the original IR benefits (by receiving bonus points) from the success of their recruit. These bonus points build up on only one of the IR's legs. The IR must then find recruits for the other leg in order to receive commissions.[48]
Many government entities described Qnet's business model as a pyramid scheme: early entrants earn money, and as the number of Independent Representatives (IRs) increases, finding more IRs to join becomes difficult or impossible; IRs that join late do not earn enough to cover their first outlay and the model collapses.[49]
As per an official spokesperson, even though sign-up fees are not charged, a purchase might be required. This may be in the form of the sale of a qualifying product to a retail customer or by the new representative making a qualifying purchase.[50]
Products & subsidiaries
Initially in 1998 Qnet sold gold commemorative coins.[51] The company expanded its products to include travel and vacations in 2002 through a partnership with QVI Club brand holidays.[17][52] In 2006, they added wellness, health, and nutritional products.[52] As of 2021, the company sells products related to home care, beauty and personal care, holidays and travel, education, wellness, watches and jewelry, and nutrition.[52]
Some of its products fall under a "wellness" brand, such as the Amezcua Bio Disc (also spelled BioDisc and BioDisk). According to Quest Net's advertisement, the disc creates a 'water-impacting' energy field that 'helps to reduce stress, improve sleep'. The company claims that it was invented by Dr Ian Lyons, but his antecedents and research publication are not known. Schott AG is the only industrial glass manufacturer that certifies production of Biodisc, but does not reflect Qnet's advertising that it is 'creating an impact energy field'.[53] The Amezcua Bio Disc has been evaluated by research facilities in Germany, India and Japan.[54] The product has received scrutiny from various scientists, media commentators and watchdogs.[55][56]
The subsidiary QI properties announced in 2016 that it would begin construction of QI City, a mixed-use development in Malaysia. It was due to be completed in 2020, consisting of an 840-bed teaching hospital, 768 condominium units, a convention center, and a 460-bed hotel.[57] The development is the location of Quest International University's Perak campus.[58]
Controversies
Qnet has faced controversies since soon after its founding.[59] It has faced litigation in many countries and hundreds of IRs working for it and/or its many subsidiaries have been arrested.
Gold coins
GoldQuest marketed a gold coin at a 100% premium over similar coins. The President of the Madras Coin Society warned that the Goldquest coin was neither a period coin nor it was from an authorized body.[60] Australian politician Cameron Thompson, the Nepalese Home Ministry, the Sri Lankan Central Bank, and the Iranian Government described GoldQuest as a pyramid scheme. In 2002, the Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs listed the company as one of 61 alleged pyramid schemes.[61][62] The Fatwa council at Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah declared that the binary form of transaction adopted by Qnet is prohibited under Sharia law.[63]
2003
In 2003, Indian police arrested two QI group senior managers in Chennai and froze the company bank account after receiving complaints from more than 50 of its members. In Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry issued a cease and desist order after a complaint from a member. In Cambodia Goldquest organized the launch of Ankor Wat commemorative coins among 500 young Khmers who had paid $5 to attend and pick up a starter kit to help them sell. Managing Director, Richard Zinkiewicz, insisted that Questnet was not a pyramid scheme, because customers were never obligated to sell products and the product had real value. He said that the coins' high value was because they are limited edition collectibles. Eswaran claimed that the opportunities offered by QI could change members' lives.[48][64] Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan asserted that GoldQuest was a pyramid scheme.[65][66]
Nepal banned the company from operating there in 2003, while Bahadur Manandhar, chief of the foreign exchange department of the Nepal Rastra Bank, said GoldQuest was "a hundred percent fraud".[67] Sri Lanka banned GoldQuest in 2005, claiming that the company had caused 15 million dollars to leave the country.[37][38][68][69]
India declared both Goldquest and Questnet to be Ponzi scheme companies.[70][71]
2007-2009
In 2007, APLI, the direct selling Association of Indonesia, called GoldQuest a pyramid scheme.[72] Interpol arrested Eswaran and other company officials for fraud.[73] Qnet responded that the allegation was unfounded.[74] After three weeks, Indonesian courts released Eswaran and dismissed the charges soon afterward.[13] Qnet continued to operate there.[75]
In 2008, around 3,000 people marched on the presidential palace in Kabul to demonstrate against the temporary withdrawal of QuestNet's license to operate. The business launched with around 600 IRs in 2006 and had expanded to 21,000 when the government temporarily withdrew the license to enable it to write operating laws.[76] Rwanda banned QuestNet in 2009 for legal violations after The National Bank of Rwanda described the company as a pyramid scheme.[77][78] Questnet appealed and was granted relief on condition that it follow the country's laws.[79][80][81] That year Sudan banned QuestNet after allegations were made relating to poor product quality and the non-receipt of products.[82][83] The same year, Syria shut down QuestNet for violating its commercial registration, stating that the company had operated a pyramid scheme and withdrawn billions of Syrian pounds from the country, while paying few taxes.[84] The shutdown applied to all company agencies.[85]
2010-2012
In 2010 Questnet opened in Turkey with 150 distributors. Police subsequently charged 42 of them with gaining an unfair advantage.[86] In 2011, the country investigated Qnet.[87] The Trade Minister warned citizens against such structures, claiming that 96 percent of members. About 20 million dollars were collected from the public.[88] 75 people were taken into custody in Qnet offices. They were accused of contacting unemployed young people. New members paid $570-$1750 to join. A commission for each new member started at US$250. Members sold Chinese goods such as watches, necklaces.[89] In 2011, QI Group resumed operations in Turkey with the acquisition of the Dögan Hotel in Antalya.[90][91] Eleven members were taken into custody for questioning.[92] The Mardin Security Directorate arrested 12 people including a leader from Iran working QuestNet's Titan Happiness chain. About 110 thousand pounds of cash were reported to have been seized. They continued operating as Qnet after QuestNet was suspended.[93] 53 people working for Questnet were detained in Ankara, Çorum, Antalya and Istanbul. An investigation was initiated against Eswaran. 30 thousand members lost money in a 50 million dollar fraud when the Turkey leg of the network collapsed.[94][95]
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and India accused Qnet of operating a product-based pyramid scheme.[96][97][98][99] Dar al-Ifta issued Qnet a fatwā in 2012 stating Qnet's business in Egypt is haram (forbidden under Islamic law).[100][101] In 2010 Saudi Arabia banned Qnet, accusing the company of theft, falsification, and failure to register, while warning citizens to avoid involvement in fraudulent schemes, mentioning Qnet specifically.[102][103] Iran announced the arrest 30 of Goldquest members on charges of defrauding people of more than 5 trillion rials. Goldquest had been banned in 2005.[104] Thirteen Qnet members in Tehran were arrested.[105] GoldQuest disputed Iran's findings, claiming that their Iranian operations were simply network marketing. Journalist Donald Frazier said in 2012 that the charges against Qnet "tend to originate in apocryphal, anonymous or debunked sources".[106]
2013-2015
In August 2013, India made its first arrest in a case that began in 2008.[107] Members were arrested for cheating. Investigations reached Bangalore and Chennai. Six of Qnet's bank accounts were frozen.[108][109] A case of money laundering was registered against Qnet, its franchise Vihaan Direct Selling, and a few others.[110] About 200 members of PT Qnet Indonesia alleged fraud. Losses were estimated to be between Rp 7 million – Rp 10 million per person.[111] Kazakhstan banned Qnet.[112] In Philippines Goldquest failed to submit its annual report for the years 1999–2000, 2002–2003, 2007–2013 and 2009–12, as required by the Corporation code and had its license revoked.[113] In June 2014, Chairman of the Fatwa Commission of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Riau province, appealed to citizens to avoid the business.[114]
In June, 2014, Tajikistan newspaper 'Jumhuriyat attacked Qnet as a dangerous financial pyramid.[115][116] The company claimed the accusations were false.[117] In September, Qnet sued private radio station and journalist Orzu Isoyev to protect its reputation after the station called the company the next pyramid.[118] Religious leaders stated that the company's activities violated Sharia law. This was because the activity involved deceiving people and because the work combined two transactions into one, in that the member must make a purchase and at also agree to find new buyers. In addition, the member can make profits at someone else's expense.[119] In India the key accused in Chennai was arrested.[120] In 2014, Mumbai police froze the bank account of Danesh Irani after it was alleged that he had received lakhs of rupees. In February 2014, the Managing Director Pushpam Appalanaidu of Questnet India was arrested on 21 cases of cheating.[121] Lookout notices against Eswaran and his business associates Dev Wadhwani and Sachin Gupta were issued.[122][123][124][125] Qnet claimed that Wadhwani and Gupta were independent representatives and not employed by the company at any of their offices.[126] Qnet advocated for the regulation of Indian multilevel marketing companies and for banning pyramid schemes.[27][127][128] The Qnet office in Bangalore was shuttered. The bank account belonging to a PR firm dealing with Qnet was frozen.[129] A radio announcer who had held training sessions to attract investors to Qnet was arrested in Mumbai.[130][131] In October 2014, Mumbai Economic Offenses Wing sent notices to Café Coffee Day to not allow Qnet representatives to hold meetings at their outlets.[132] In 2014 the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police filed a First Information Report against Qnet and its Indian subsidiary Vihaan and barred them from holding workshops and training sessions.[133][134]
Three independent representatives of Qnet were arrested in January 2015.[135] In March two senior Qnet IRs were arrested.[136] Four Qnet associates were arrested at Vijayawada. Fifteen lakh were seized.[137] In July the Mumbai Police started a probe into an alleged deal with Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd that linked the International Indian Film Academy Awards and Qnet.[138]
In Mali Qnet was accused of tricking people to join Qnet, even though most lost money.[139] In Russia Quest International had an annual turnover of 1.65 billion pounds. To join Qnet IR's had to buy 60,000 roubles worth of company products and then recruit two others who do the same. For every two recruits, the recruiter receives $250. Only 14% of those in the pyramid got their 60,000 rubles.[140] The company partnered with former professional tennis player Martina Hingis in September 2015 and announced her as a Brand Ambassador.[141] Qnet announced the liquidation of its office in Tajikistan on March 18, 2015, continuing its activities through a local company amidst accusations.[142]
2016
In March Mumbai police issued summons to a top official of FC Goa to inquire about their sponsorship by Qnet.[143][144] In June 2016 Delhi moved against Vihaan Direct Selling and three independent representatives for fraudulently operating a MLM scheme.[145] Hyderabad police arrested four Qnet associates in September. Mumbai Police recovered 144 crore by freezing bank accounts.[146] After a three-year probe, they filed a 55,000-page charge sheet against Vihaan directors and shareholders, which was Qnet's master franchise in India.[147][148] The Securities and Exchange Board of India advised victims to file complaints with appropriate authorities.[149] The Federation of Direct Selling Association rejected Vihaan's application, stating that Vihaan was in the recruitment business rather than retailing. It claimed that recruiting revenues were so large because recruiting rather than selling was the focus.[150]
In April 2014, Baku, Azerbaijan opened a criminal fraud case against Questnet. In 2012 and 2013, Questnet employees had taken money totaling more than 27 thousand Azerbaijani manat from 16 residents.[151] In December 2016, two Questnet employees were sentenced to eight years in prison for defrauding some 15 citizens of over $65,000.[152][153]
In Moldova, a once-closed fraud case was reopened based on numerous complaints.[154] Hundreds of Moldovans, eager to get rich overnight, went bankrupt after they were convinced by friends and relatives to join Qnet. They were promised thousands of Euros per week, but had to first buy at least $2000 of goods from the company. The newcomersfurther had to convince two more people to buy $2000 from Qnet to get a commission of $250.[155]
An IR in Dédougou, Burkina Faso was prosecuted for fraud totaling 390,000 West African CFA franc of membership fees.[156] Hundreds of complaints were received. Each IR paid 450,000 CFA as member fees. Project officials were arrested and detained in Ziniare Prison and Correction Center.[157]
Young people in Damascus were recruited by friends to join and pay the membership fee. They are given products to sell and taught to recruit others. Recruiters earn $200 for each pair of recruits.[158]
Sri Lanka shut down Goldquest and QI. They were replaced by Global Lifestyle Lanka Ltd. Managing Director Selvarajan Wijayaratnam, Eswaran's brother-in-law and several board members were summoned. A former defence official was probed for allegedly receiving money to prevent Eswaran's arrest.[159][160][161][162][163][164][165][166] In Jaffna thousands of people protested for refunds.[167] A court there issued an interim injunction. The magistrate ordered a public awareness campaign and instructed Gram Sevakas to conduct awareness meetings.[168]
2017
In Saudi Arabia, network marketing was banned after complaints about companies including Tvi and Qnet.[169]
Many Georgians took credits from commercial banks to buy Qnet products ranging from $500-$3,000 and claimed that they were defrauded.[170]
The Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal in June, arrested 102 Qnet IRs on fraud charges. Some IRs received had as much as Rs 1 million.[171][172][173]
The Jijel province of Algeria dismantled Qnet's network, alleging that recruits were promised trips abroad.[174] 15 women suspected to belong to Qnet were arrested in Annaba State.[175] In Mostaganem three IRs were arrested.[176]
Indonesia included Qnet on its list of bogus companies.[177][178][179][180] Four Qnet IRs were arrested for the murder of a Go-Car driver.[181][182] Qnet claimed that the company was not involved.[183] In July 2017, at least 19 teenagers who had joined Qnet were evacuated from a shelter in Simo, Boyolali Regency, Central Java and returned to their parents.[184][185][186] They had been attempting to sell worthless products such as Chakra for Rp 8 million.[187] Similar cases of alleged fraud occurred in Sambi district.[188] Police raided a rented house in Gentan, Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java finding 20 men and 4 women. Two of their leaders were questioned by the police.[189][190] In Jambi City, Jambi the police detained 48 Qnet members for disturbing neighbors.[191] Dozens of youth were recruited in Kartasura, Sukoharjo Regency.[192]
In Maharashtra a Court stated that Qnet operations were not legal.[193] In February Delhi High Court, dismissed a petition to quash aFirst Information Report describing Qnet as a scam.[194] In March forty-seven IRs were arrested and multiple bank accounts were frozen.[195] In April the Enforcement Directorate provisionally seized Qnet properties worth over 150 crore.[196][197] In May, the Economic Offences Wing Mumbai announced that a unit would be formed to compensate Qnet investors pending a court order.[198] IRs were arrested in Kerala,[199][200] Thiruvananthapuram,[201] Meerut[202] and Kochi.[203] Complaints were lodged in Hyderabad, Madhapur[204] and Mumbai.[205]
In February, 2017 the Karnataka High Court quashed criminal proceedings against QNet executive Naresh Balasubramaniam in a cybercrime case over alleged fraud.[206] In March, 2017 the Supreme Court of India stayed further proceedings in all the 19 FIR's filed against Qnet and its stake holders across the country and granted bail to Michael Ferreira, former world champion in billiards, and another official of the firm's India franchise in a cheating case.[207]
In Fardis Iran eight Qnet IRs were arrested for counterfeiting and fraud.[208][209]
France 24 television investigated Questnet.[210]
More than 100 youth from Togo were taken hostage under the banner of Qnet in Côte d'Ivoire.[211]
Four Qnet IRs were arrested for allegedly recruiting 580 youth in Kumasi Ghana. The recruits were asked to pay 3,100 Ghanaian Cedi.[212][213]
In Sri Lanka three Qnet-related schemes were investigated. The company was ordered to stop its activities.[214]
2018
Latvia television reported that QN Europe was a pyramid scheme.[215] The Ministry of Economy of Lebanon warned the public about Qnet.[216] In Mail following a violent protest, 10 IRs were arrested for fraud.[217][218][219] New members paid 400 to 6,000,000 CFA.[220][221] Malian spiritual guide, Chérif Ousmane Madani Haïdara stated that none of Qnet's medical products, had any effect and denied involvement with them.[222] In Indonesia, Qnet operated in Boyolali, Simo, Banyudono, Mojosongo, Andong and Ngemplak, and in Teras District.[223] Three IRs in Lamongan reported losses of Rp 76 million to investment company Pt Amoeba International that used the Qnet logo.[224] Action was taken against Qnet in Chennai,[225] Andhra Pradesh,[226][227] Nagpur,[228][229] Mumbai,[230][231] Maharashtra,[232] Karnataka[233][234][235][236][237][238] and Kanchipuram.[239]
In Guinea, action was taken against Qnet in Labe[240][241][242] and Dixinn.[243][244] In Saudi Arabia Qnet IRs were arrested in Mecca,[245][246] Riyadh[247][248] and Najran.[249][250][251] In Ivory Coast Qnet IRs were arrested in San-Pédro.[252][253][254] Complaints led Turkey to list Qnet as one of 19 pyramid companies.[255][256] The Georgia Qnet office is managed by parliamentarian Eka Beselia's family.[257][258] Thousands of people who joined the Qnet network lost money invested in the company.[259] The Fatwa Committee of Kurdistan Iraq, issued a statement denouncing the activity of Qnet as haram.[260][261] In Senegal Qnet recruited 108,000 members charging between 500 and 700 dollars. The official who issued document of official recognition to Qnet was arrested.[262][263] In Ghana Qnet claimed that its network employs 10,000 people who earn between 1000 and 10000 dollars per month.[264] In Gambia IRs were arrested.[265] In Kazakhstan Qnet was accused of making false promises.[266]
2019
In India Qnet faced legal action and/or arrests in Kukatpally,[267] Cyberabad,[268][269][270][271][272][273][274][275] Bangalore,[276][277][278][279] Hyderabad,[280] Goa,[281] Rajasthan,[282] Telangana[283] and Powai.[284] Cyberabad police began investigation of the suicide of a former techie owing to alleged losses suffered after investing Indian Rupee 25 Lakh in Qnet Ponzi scheme. He had enrolled six members and was under extreme pressure to enroll more members, his family claimed.[285][286] The police have written to several investigating agencies including Reserve Bank of India, Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department, Serious Fraud Investigation Office, Registrar of Companies, India about how the firm was running Ponzi schemes and have created thousands of investors across the country.[287] A man in Chennai committed suicide after being tricked to invest INR 8 Lakhs in Qnet multi level marketing company by his cousin.[288] A software engineer in Navi Mumbai allegedly committed suicide although his brother refuted his friends claims that he was depressed following losses from an investment of INR 2.5 Lakhs in Qnet.[289][290] The Registrar of Companies in Karnataka had inspected the books of Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt Ltd, a franchise of QNet, and based upon the report, it had filed winding up petition before the National Company Law Tribunal.[291] Ministry of Corporate Affairs official communication stated that Lookout circulars were issued against 12 persons associated with the company as directors or promoters.[292] 70 people were arrested and 38 cases registered against the company in different police stations.[293] People in Odisha had registered a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing against QNet for allegedly cheating them of lakhs of rupees.[294] A former member of QNet who launched his own multi-level marketing firm after he lost 13 lakhs rupees in QNet scheme was arrested by Cyberabad police for running a money circulation scheme.[295][296] Three persons in Kerala were arrested by Payyanur police after complaint was filed by a person who was asked to invest in the company.[297]
In Indonesia, in Malang in separate incidents, police rescued individuals allegedly held captive by Qnet personnel.[298][299][300] Six youths claimed to be victims of QNet multi level marketing business who were promised of job placement with a salary of Rp 3 million per week but first had to deposit an initial capital of Rp 9.5 million per week to join QNet. They revealed that they were taught to recruit at least two downlines in order to reap profits but the money paid to join cannot be withdrawn later.[301] Lumajang Police arrested the director of PT Amoeba International affiliated with PT QNet for running business as a money game system using the pyramid mechanism. New members who joined Qnet were required to find two new members in which each left and right leg of the pyramid will continue to branch off.[302][303] Lumajang Police Chief explained that in a pyramid scheme, even if there are goods, actual sale of goods is just a cover. Almost 87 percent people lose their money, which is why it is prohibited in many countries.[304][305] Thousands of people along with dozens of victims of QNet pyramid scheme descended on the roads to support the police chief and the cobra team to investigate the fraud.[306][307]
Channel 31 (Kazakhstan) reported that in Karaganda region one person had to undergo treatment after joining Qnet.[308] In Conakry, Guinea, 100 people were arrested for involvement with Qnet.[309] In Sierra Leone investigations of Qnet were demanded by IRs claiming they had been defrauded.[310] In Senegal a dozen IRs were arrested along with two company executives.[311][312] In a public press conference, the Director, National Agency of Financial Investigations in Chad declared Qnet as a criminal enterprise and asked the public to remain vigilant. The pyramid scheme had extorted 91 million Central African CFA franc from vulnerable groups in over 4 years.[313][314]
Over 100 people from Togo became victim to a big scam called Qnet. They were told by friends that they found jobs in Ghana with a monthly salary of 300,000 CFA franc but were instead made to pay 500,000 CFA franc for training. The victims without knowing the name of the company, sold things, mobilized the money and went into debt, only realizing later that they have joined Qnet against their will.[315][316] 213 nationals belonging to Mali were found to be victims of a scam network in Abidjan in Ivory Coast where each Malian had paid the sum of 3,00,000 to 20,00,000 CFA franc.[317][318][319] In Ghana about 50 foreigners who were employees of Qnet, were deported for not having resident permits.[320][321] Police in Alborz Province of Iran arrested 13 members of the pyramid company Qnet who were recruiting people where each invested 200 million Iranian rial. They were later sent to prison.[322][323]
See also
- Qnet Open – A women's tennis tournament sponsored by the company.
References
- "Overview". QI Group. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
- Augustine, Babu Das (2 April 2015). "Qi Group to expand its Middle East network". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- "All Products". QNet. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
- Dalal, Sucheta (9 May 2016). "QNet: "Its a chain where a person is fooled and then he is trained to fool others to earn money" says Bombay HC order". Moneylife india. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- "QNet case: Bombay HC rejects bail of Micheal Ferreira, 4 others". Indian Express. The Indian Express. 8 May 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- "PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE" (PDF). Security and Exchange Board of India. 23 December 2016. Retrieved 25 December 2017.
- "QNet investors demand action against multi-level marketing firm". The Times of India. Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- "Involvement in Rs425 crore multi-level marketing scam causes QNET websites to be blocked". dna. Zee News, DNA. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- "QNetIndia.in and Qnet's other websites blocked on court order". www.moneylife.in. Money Life. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
- Hamilton, Ernest (24 March 2021). "A Misunderstood MLM Company: But is QNET a Scam?". iTech Post. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
- Pradesh, Andhra (24 June 2015). "Hong Kong-based marketing scam busted, four arrested". The Hindu.(subscription required)
- "A Misunderstood MLM Company: But is QNET a Scam?". itechpost.com. 24 March 2021.
- Donald Frazier (5 November 2013). "Selling a Better Life". Forbes Asia. Retrieved 4 October 2013.
- "From The Ground Up". Obtainer Worldwide. July 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- "OBTAINER - QNET". yumpu.com. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
- Hamilton, Ernest (24 March 2021). "A Misunderstood MLM Company: But is QNET a Scam?". itechpost. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
- "QNet Timeline". QNet. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
- "QNET Teams Up With Avalokitesvara Trust to Build Libraries in India". Obtainer. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- "GoldQuest". Quest International Holding. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- "QI's Prana Resorts & Spa rebrands and expands". QI Group. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- Tan Gim Ean (27 June 2010). "Dream of a watch". The Star. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- "Organic Health Food Supermarket Chain". QI. Archived from the original on 21 March 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
- "Organic and Natural". Down to Earth. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- "Quest Net joins business forum sponsors". New Vision. 29 October 2007. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- "Virgin Racing announces QNet partnership". GP Update. 10 November 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- "Leading Direct Selling Company QNET is now TRUSTe Certified". Infotech Spotlight. 28 December 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- Mihir Mishra (13 May 2013). "QNet plans to set up production base in India". The Indian Express. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- "QNET Will open a representative office in Russia". Sostav. 25 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
- "Qi Tower wins BCA Green Mark Gold Award". The Malaysian Insider. 28 February 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- "QNET announces Sponsorship of Total CAF Champions League, Total CAF Confederation Cup, Total CAF Super Cup". Confederation of African Football. 24 February 2018.
- "As of 11th July 2017, Manchester City is delighted to extend their partnership with QNET for another 3 years". Retrieved 11 July 2017.
- "Sempat Dinyatakan Bodong, OJK Klarifikasi QNET Indonesia Adalah Bisnis Legal – KursRupiah.net". kursrupiah.net. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
- "QNET files appeal against Magistrate's order blocking websites". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 29 May 2014 – via Business Standard.
- "QNet duped 45 investors to Rs 1.80 cr in Pune through its". India Today. 29 March 2017.
- "Support". QNET. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- Gahamanyi, John (3 August 2009). "Rwanda: QuestNet Banned". AllAfrica. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
- "SriLanka banned Gold Quest long time ago". Muthamil.com. Archived from the original on 29 November 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- Ahmed Feteha (5 January 2012). "QNet: Not all pyramids make money for Egypt". Al-Ahram. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
- "Qnet scam: Mumbai Police arrests Michael Ferreira's former daughter-in-law". The Indian Express. 14 September 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
- "Business News Today: Read Latest Business news, India Business News Live, Share Market & Economy News".
- "QNet: "It is a chain where a person is fooled and then he is trained to fool others to earn money" says Bombay HC order". Moneylife. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
- "QNet: Delhi HC says no to quash FIR against Michael Ferreira and others". www.moneylife.in.
- "QNet: Secret SFIO report says MLM, Ponzi schemes 'a threat to national security'". Moneylife NEWS & VIEWS.
- "Serious Frauds Investigation Office Report on GOLDQUEST, QUESTNET Now Renamed to QNET". Scribd. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
- Rahayu, Eva Martha (29 June 2019). "Malou Caluza, Qnet's First Female Leader". SWA.
- Chitra Dinisari, Mia (June 2021). "Tips Sukses Bisnis Penjualan Langsung". Bisnis.
- "QNET CEO Honored with Female Executive of the Year Bronze Award - Direct Selling News". www.directsellingnews.com. 1 February 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ppp_webadmin (25 March 2005). "Coin company's sales tactics bring cash, questions". Archived from the original on 6 April 2019.
- "QuestNet pyramid scheme drops anchor in Africa". France 24. 4 May 2010. Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
- Mampatta, Sachin P. (29 August 2013). "Money-making scheme under EOW probe". Business Standard India – via Business Standard.
- Sucheta Dalal; Yogesh Sapkale (15 November 2012). "QNet, the MLM has resurfaced in India; will people be duped again?". MoneyLife. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
- Hamilton, Ernest (24 March 2021). "A Misunderstood MLM Company: But is QNET a Scam?". Retrieved 4 April 2023.
- PLO.VN (7 September 2014). "Đĩa sinh học Bio Disc len lỏi theo con đường đa cấp".
- "Evaluation Details". Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- "BIO DISC SUMMARY" (PDF). Africa Center for Apologetics Research. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- Fulcher, Ben (April 2008). "Feature Article: Scalar Energy" (PDF). Jeremy (newsletter of the University of Sydney Physics Society). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- "Work starts on RM1.2 billion Qi City". The Sun (Malaysia). 2 February 2017.
- Sani, Rozana (15 April 2020). "Readiness for continuity in online learning". New Straits Times.
- Frazier, Donald (4 March 2013). "Qnet Founder Eswaran Extolled, Vilified as Readers Weigh In". Forbes. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- "BUSINESS TODAY". archives.digitaltoday.in.
- "The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs in South Australia".
- "ParlInfo – Title Details". Parlinfo.aph.gov.au. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- "Fatawa - Is dealing with Qnet legal from the Islamic perspective?". Dar al-Ifta al Misriyyah.
- "Welcome to National Radio". nationalradioworld.com.
- "Financial Times". www.sundaytimes.lk.
- "Pyramid schemes illegal, RMA | Bhutan Observer". bhutanobserver.bt. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017.
- "Gold Quest banned". Nepali Times. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- "The Efforts of Sri Lanka to Combat MLM Pyramid Schemes" (PDF). Pyramid Scheme Alert. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 June 2007. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- "Registrar of Companies refuse renewal agent Quest Net in Sudan – Niles" (in Arabic). ALN. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- "Chit Fund Companies". pib.nic.in.
- "Gold Quest under MCA scanner for defrauding customers". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 25 November 2010 – via Business Standard.
- "Kewaspadaan terhadap Bahaya Money Game Meningkat". Asosiasi Penjualan Langsung Indonesia. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
- "Report: Indonesian ex-president helps catch Malaysian businessman in fraud case". International Herald Tribune. 7 May 2007. Archived from the original on 12 May 2007. Retrieved 28 March 2010. (Sourced from the Wayback Machine.)
- Ina Rachman (21 June 2013). "Qnet Indonesia Bantah Menipu". Tribun Jakarta. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- Dahlan Iskan (10 June 2013). "Economy in brief: Pos Indonesia, QNET sign business deal". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- "Thousands protest in Kabul for banned scheme". Daily Times. AFP. 11 February 2008. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
- John Gahamanyi (29 July 2009). "Rwanda: BNR Warns of Major Fraud in Popular Pyramid Scheme". Retrieved 21 December 2001.
- Gahamanyi, John (9 April 2009). "Questnet banned". The Newtimes. Retrieved 9 December 2014.(subscription required)
- Times Reporter (6 October 2013). "e-Commerce platform opens in Rwanda". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
- "Questnet". Questnet. Archived from the original on 28 October 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- Gertrude Majyambere. "Gov't lifts ban on Quest Net". The New Times Rwanda. Archived from the original on 10 September 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- "Sudanese Independent daily political". Al-Watan. Archived from the original on 17 February 2010. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- "After The Prohibition And Stop The Activity" (in Arabic). ALN. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- "The Ministry of Economy stopped Quest Network in Syria" (in Arabic). Al-Watan. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- "إلغاء وكالة "كويست نت" تمّ منذ أشهر وعملها غير شرعي". syria-news.com. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
- Saadet Zinciri Operasyonu. "TRT – Anasayfa" (in Turkish). TRT HABER. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
- Ergin Hava. "Ministry to investigate QNet in Turkey". Today's Zaman. Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- "Saadet zinciri Quest hortladı Bakan uyardı". www.patronlardunyasi.com.
- EZBER/DHA, Elvan (21 October 2010). "Hong Konglu Quest operasyonunda 75 kişi gözaltına alındı". www.hurriyet.com.tr. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- Mehmet Baransu (17 May 2013). "QI Malaysian way of Turkey". Taraf. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- "Lifestyle Hotel and Resorts". QI Group. Archived from the original on 9 August 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- EZBER/İSTANBUL, (DHA), Elvan (24 May 2011). "Saadet zincirinin İstanbul ayağında 11 gözaltı". www.hurriyet.com.tr. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- GÜNEŞ/MARDİN, (DHA), Nezir (20 April 2011). "İnternetin saadet zinciri şebekesi çökertildi". www.hurriyet.com.tr. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "30 bin kişiyi dolandıran saadet zinciri şebekesi çökertildi". www.hurriyet.com.tr. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "'Saadet Zinciri' adliyelik oldu". www.hurriyet.com.tr. 29 May 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "TRADE PRACTICES AMENDMENT BILL (NO. 1) 2002 Second Reading". Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- Ir. Widarto Wirawan (April 2007). "Money Game Marak Lagi!". Bulletin of the Direct Selling Association of Indonesia (in Indonesian). Asosiasi Penjualan Langsung Indonesia (Direct Selling Association of Indonesia). Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- Ramakrishnan, Sathyalaya (20 February 2010). "Multi-crore Gold Quest scam case SC hearing on February 26". Asian Tribune. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
- "Quest for more gold: gullible public fall prey again". WebIndia123. 3 May 2008. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
- "Al Azhar Fatwa" (in Arabic). DAR-Alifta. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
- El Hariri, Nora (22 February 2012). "QNet: Making Your Own Decision". Business Today Egypt. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
- "Qnet banned". ArabNews. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
- "Ministry of Commerce and Industry" (in Arabic). Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- "Today.Az - 30 more Goldquest scammers busted in Iran". www.today.az.
- "دستگیری 13 تن از اعضای شرکت هرمی Qnet". ایران هشدار.
- Donald Frazier. "Followup on the News: Internet Spat Breaks Out over QNet and Multi-level Marketing in india". Forbes. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
- "Gold Quest to face more cases". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- "EOW makes first arrest in QNet case". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 August 2013.
- "Cops freeze 6 bank accounts of marketing firm". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 1 September 2013.
- "Enforcement Directorate files case against QNet and others". The Times of India.
- Wibowo, Eko Ari (17 June 2013). "Bisnis MLM QNet Diduga Tipu Rp 1,6 Miliar".
- https://kaztag.info/news/detail.php?ID=244011 dead link. July 2019
- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 August 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "Riauterkini - MUI Riau Nyatakan Bisnis MLM QNET Terindikasi Haram". Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Нашрияи расмии Тоҷикистон - "Ҷумҳурият"". jumhuriyat.tj.
- "Нашрияи расмии Тоҷикистон - "Ҷумҳурият"". jumhuriyat.tj.
- Диалог (2 July 2014). "QNet: "Мы не финансовая пирамида"".
- Диалог (26 September 2014). "Орзу или QNet?".
- Диалог (11 July 2014). "Махмудджон Тураджонзода: Работа в QNet недозволенна шариатом!".
- "Main GoldQuest money scam accused arrested". 16 May 2014.
- "Pushpam Appalanaidu, MD of QuestNet India arrested". Moneylife NEWS & VIEWS.
- PTI (2 January 2014). "QNet scam: Lookout notices against Michael Ferreira, four others".
- "Actor Boman Irani's son to be summoned in QNet case". The Times of India.
- "V Limitless". the-v.net.
- "V Limitless". the-v.net.
- "QNET scam: Michael Ferreira claims that he will return to India soon". 8 January 2014.
- "Lack of legislation hurting direct selling in India: QNet". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 12 May 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
- Ajita Shashidhar (13 May 2013). "We welcome on a ban on pyramid companies". Business Today. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
- "Economic offences wing raids at QNet Office in Bangalore". The Times of India.
- "RJ arrested in Qnet scam". The Hindu. 4 November 2014 – via www.thehindu.com.
- "RJ who held QNet training in police custody". The Times of India.
- "Mumbai EOW puts notice restricting QNet meetings at CCD Cafe". The Times of India.
- "EOW arrests man for conducting QNet workshop". Mumbai Mirror. 3 November 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- "QNet: EOW tightens rope around agents, meeting places". MoneyLife. 3 November 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- "QNet case: Three more company representatives arrested". 7 January 2015.
- "QNet: EOW arrests V-Elite leaders Sandeep Kalra and Hitesh Miglani". www.moneylife.in.
- "Four held in Qnet case". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 23 June 2015 – via Business Standard.
- "QNet: EOW to probe Wizcraft International over IIFA sponsorship deal". www.moneylife.in.
- "maliweb.net - QNET : Des milliers de jeunes Maliens embarqués dans un bateau d'illusions". 26 June 2015.
- "Russia is still building pyramids". openDemocracy. 5 December 2014.
- Mahmud, Sana (21 September 2015). "Martina Hingis Becomes Face Of Direct Selling Co, QNET". The Arabian Marketer. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- "QNet closes its office in Tajikistan - Tajikistan News ASIA-Plus".
- "Police issue summons to FC Goa official over Qnet sponsorship". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 29 April 2016 – via Business Standard.
- "Virat Kohli comes on board FC Goa as co-owner". Business Standard India. 24 September 2014 – via Business Standard.
- "Delhi Police regeisterd FIR QNET India/ Vihaan Direct Selling - News Ambit". www.newsambit.com.
- "Qnet scam: Rs144 crore recovered so far". 28 December 2016.
- "Qnet scam: EOW files 55,000-page chargesheet after 3 years of probe". Hindustan Times. 28 December 2016.
- "Chargesheet against Michael Ferreira in Rs 425-crore investor scam". The Times of India.
- "Sebi forwards complaint against QNET's marketing to Karnataka govt". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 27 December 2016 – via Business Standard.
- "QNet: FDSA too rejects Vihaan's membership application". www.moneylife.in.
- "В Баку возбуждено уголовное дело по факту мошенничества компании "QUEST NET"". 24 April 2014.
- ""Questnet"in əməkdaşları həbs ediliblər". marja.az. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- ""Questnet"in əməkdaşları həbs ediliblər". Fins.az. 13 December 2016.
- "Расследование RISE: Одной из самых больших финансовых пирамид в РМ руководит жена следователя | RTR Moldova". Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
- ȘTIRILE, PUBLIKA.MD - AICI SUNT (11 April 2016). "Au "mușcat" din mâna escrocilor. "Qnet", o NOUĂ PIRAMIDĂ FINANCIARĂ care FURĂ banii moldovenilor".
- "Burkina Faso – Dédougou : Qnet assigné en justice - Netafrique". netafrique.net.
- "Burkina Online – Tout le Burkina Faso en ligne". www.burkinaonline.com.
- "هكــذا يتــم الإحتيال والنصــب على الشـباب السـوري من خلال شركة QNET – سوريا الإعلامية - Syrian media". sy-mn.com.
- "Sri Lanka to restart anti-pyramid unit". www.economynext.com.
- "New network marketing scams spread their wings countrywide - The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka". www.sundaytimes.lk.
- lakmali. "FCID probes Global Lifestyle over pyramid-like scheme".
- amali. "Global Lifestyle avoids FCID summons".
- "Tumblr". Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "ලක්ෂ ගණනින් මුදල් උපයාගත හැකි විශ්මිත ව්යාපාරයට ඔබත් හසුවුණාද?AUDIO". Hiru News. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Special unit to crackdown on pyramid schemes". PressReader.
- sharmila. "Ex-defence ministry official probed over pyramid scam".
- "Pyramid Trading System, GLOBAL LIFESTYLE LANKA People who deceived". tamilnews.com. Archived from the original on 9 December 2017.
- "Injunction against pyramid scheme operator in Jaffna". Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "ضبط شابان و فتاة يروجون للتسويق الهرمي بأحد فنادق تبوك - صحيفة المدائن الإلكترونية". 11 April 2017.
- "ორგანოს ზომა ჯანმრთელობის მდგომარეობას უკავშირდება". versia.ge. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Over 100 nabbed over illegal network business". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "QNet's transactions worth in excess of Rs200 million: CIB". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "'क्यू नेट' नेटवर्किङ व्यवसाय गर्ने १४ जना पक्राउ, के हो क्यू नेट ?". NepalAajaV3. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "المساء - الدرك يفكك شبكة «كيونات» بجيجل". El-massa.com. 21 June 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
- "يوهمن الضحايا بأرباح خيالية مقابل 50 مليون للانخراط .. توقيف 15 امرأة يشتبه في انتمائهن لشبكة نصب دولية – أخبار الشرق". Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
- "تفكيك شبكة تحتال عن طريق التسويق الإكتروني بمستغانم". 27 October 2017.
- Media, Kompas Cyber (10 November 2014). "Ini 262 Perusahaan Investasi yang Tak Mempunyai Izin OJK - Kompas.com".
- Media, Kompas Cyber (16 February 2017). "Klarifikasi OJK: QNET Indonesia Bukan Bisnis Ilegal - Kompas.com".
- Liputan6.com (17 February 2017). "Namanya Ada di Daftar Investasi Bodong OJK, Ini Bantahan QNet".
- "Ini Nama-nama Perusahaan Investasi Keuangan Tanpa Izin OJK - Tribunnews.com". 9 November 2014.
- Okezone (29 November 2017). "4 Pembunuh Sopir Taksi Online Ditangkap di Dua Lokasi Berbeda : Okezone News".
- "Pembunuh Supir Go-Car Pekanbaru, Polisi : Pelaku Mengaku Owner Qnet". harianriau.co. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Riau Barometer is under construction".
- "Bikin Resah, Penampungan Remaja Korban MLM di Boyolali Ditutup". 18 July 2017.
- "- Semarang Bisnis.com". Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Bikin Resah, Penampungan Remaja Korban MLM di Boyolali Ditutup -Soloraya » Harian Jogja". Archived from the original on 18 July 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
- "Ini Kisah Para Remaja Korban MLM Qnet di Boyolali". 19 July 2017.
- "- Semarang Bisnis.com". Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Loading..." sorotsukoharjo.com.
- Joatsy. "Sindikat Penipuan Bermarkas di Desa Gentan, Aparat Kecolongan". Sorotdotco.
- "FOTO: 48 Anggota Anggota Jaringan Bisnis Qnet di Jambi Diamankan - Tribun Jambi". 6 December 2017.
- Joatsy. "Belasan Pemuda Jadi Korban Penipuan Lowongan Kerja Fiktif".
- "QNet: MPID Court says activities of the MLM are 'not legal'". www.moneylife.in.
- "QNet: Delhi HC says no to quash FIR against Michael Ferreira and others". www.moneylife.in.
- "How QNet s sweet talker was nabbed at Mumbai airport". 18 March 2017.
- "ED attaches properties worth over Rs 150 crore of Gold Quest International Chennai". India Today.
- "ED attaches Gold Quest's H150 crore property". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Lost in Ponzi scam? Refund unit on cards for investors". The Times of India. 30 May 2017.
- "Police spread net for QNet dupers". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- Reporter (9 August 2017). "Probe against former billiards champion". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- "Ten members of multi-level marketing company held for assault in Thiruvananthapuram". The New Indian Express.
- "'ठग' क्यूनेट हजारों लोगों को बना चुका है अपना शिकार!". 31 August 2017.
- Reporter (31 October 2017). "Money chain fraud: 2 arrested". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- "More victims fall prey to QNet scam". 20 November 2017.
- "Who Is Helping QNET Thrive in India?". Moneylife NEWS & VIEWS.
- Jha, Dilip Kumar (25 February 2017). "Karnataka Hc quashes criminal proceedings against Qnet". Business Standard India. Business Standard.
- "Relief to Qnet as SC stay 19 cases, grants bail to Ferreira". Economic Times.
- YJC, خبرگزاری باشگاه خبرنگاران | آخرین اخبار ایران و جهان. "8 عضو شرکت هرمی در فردیس به دام پلیس افتادند". خبرگزاری باشگاه خبرنگاران (in Persian). Retrieved 22 August 2018.
- "فعالان یک شرکت هرمی در شهرستان فردیس دستگیر شدند". 11 November 2017.
- "La société est déjà en Guinée : QuestNet, une arnaque "pyramidale" qui débarque en Afrique". guinee28.info. 10 October 2017.
- "Informations completes et a jour sur toute l-Afrique. Revue de presse africaine". Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- "4 arrested for recruiting 580 under suspicious circumstances". www.ghanaweb.com.
- "IMATIN.NET - Affaire Qnet, 700 Ivoiriens arrêtés au Ghana : Un haut responsable de l'entreprise network fait des précisions". IMATIN.NET.
- "Three pyramid type businesses under probe". Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- DELFI (4 February 2018). "В Латвию пришла новая финансовая пирамида".
- "بعد تقرير المنار عن شركة Q-NET، الشركة تعلق ووزارة الاقتصاد تحذر". Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Fana: suite à une violente manifestation de la population, 10 agents de QNET arrêtés pour escroquerie. – Maliactu.info". maliactu.info.
- "Fana: suite à une violente manifestation de la population, 10 agents de QNET arrêtés pour escroquerie. • Koulouba.com - Mali". 1 January 2018.
- "Fana: suite à une violente manifestation de la population, 10 agents de QNET arrêtés pour escroquerie. — Maliweb". 1 January 2018.
- "Puissant réseau d'arnaque: Comment le Cherif Haidara a pu se laisser avoir par des escrocs de Qnet". abamako.com. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Le député Amadou Thiam soupçonné d'être à la base de l'installation de Qnet au Mali (La Sirène)". Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
- "Malijet Haïdara à propos de QNET : J'ai leur machin depuis 10 ans, ça ne m'a rien servi Bamako Mali". malijet.com.
- "Keluar Jutaan Rupiah, Korban MLM Qnet di Boyolali Berjatuhan". 14 January 2018.
- Tergiur Bisnis investasijawapos.com 8 June 2018 Archived 12 June 2018 at the Wayback Machine
- "Panel asks investors to file petitions for claims". The Hindu. 10 February 2018 – via www.thehindu.com.
- "Beware of 'money schemes', CID official warns public". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "3 Andhra Pradesh men kidnap investment firm staffer, held | Bengaluru News". The Times of India. 13 December 2018.
- "क्यूनेटची फसवणूक कोटीच्यावर -Maharashtra Times". 1 February 2018.
- "10 ayurveda docs booked for Rs93.21L fraud". The Times of India.
- "Teams sent to nab Ayurveda doctors, fraud amount jumps to Rs 1.50 crore". The Times of India. 7 February 2018.
- "Victims of fraud unite to catch QNet scamsters". 12 April 2018.
- Hindi, Dainik Bhaskar (7 February 2018). "मलेशिया की क्यू नेट कंपनी पर महाराष्ट्र में 12 केस दर्ज, लोगों से करोड़ों की ठगी".
- "ಲಕ್ಷಾಂತರ ಜನರಿಗೆ ಕ್ಯೂನೆಟ್ ಟೋಪಿ". 30 March 2018.
- Reporter (31 March 2018). "Protest by victims of multi-level marketing firm". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- Reporter (2 April 2018). "Nine people arrested for alleged financial fraud". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- Feeds, PTI (6 May 2018). "BJP rakes up Hublot watch controversy about Siddaramaiah".
- "BJP rakes up Hublot watch row to take on Siddaramaiah". 6 May 2018.
- Reporter (7 May 2018). "Siddaramiah met fugitive industrialist in China: BJP". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- "இணையதள வணிகம் செய்வதாகக் கூறி ரூ.50 லட்சத்துக்கு மேல் மோசடி: பாதிக்கப்பட்டோர் எஸ்.பி.யிடம் புகார்". Dinamani.
- "Labé : quatre collaborateurs de la société QNET trimballés en justice par 32 clients, pour " escroquerie " - Guinee24.com". www.guinee24.com.
- "Guinée : la société QNET poursuivie pour escroquerie et faux et usage de faux actualité de la Guinée". 21 February 2018.
- "Labé : La société Qnet assignée en Justice par les Clients pour Escroquerie - Actuconakry.com". 26 February 2018.
- "Arrestation des travailleurs de QNET, Colonel Tiegboro pointe du doigt la justice". Guinee360.com - Actualité en Guinée. 8 March 2018.
- "Affaire QNET : Le colonel Moussa Tiégboro Camara invite les victimes à se recenser auprès de son département – Mosaiqueguinee.com". Archived from the original on 10 June 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
- "إلقاء القبض على أعضاء تابعين لـ شركة كيونت "QNET" المحظورة في السعودية". www.ngmisr.com.
- "السلطات السعودية تلقي القبض على 12 من أعضاء شركة "كيونت" – كلمتين". 23 March 2018.
- "Riyadh Daily". alriyadhdaily.com.
- ""التجارة" توقع بأعضاء شبكة QNET للتسويق الشبكي في الرياض". صحيفة سبق الإلكترونية. September 2018.
- "المملكة العربية السعودية - وزارة التجارة و الاستثمار".
- ""التجارة" تضبط تجمع لشبكات QNET في نجران". جريدة الرياض.
- ""التجارة" تواصل ملاحقة شبكات Qnet للتسويق الشبكي بضبط تجمع في نجران - صحيفة عين الوطن الإلكترونية". Archived from the original on 16 September 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
- "Qnet, Forever Living, etc. : L'Etat ouvre une enquête sur les sociétés de marketing de vente en réseau - Abidjan.net News". news.abidjan.net. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "San Pedro : arrestation de 5 membres d'une structure de marketing de réseau pour". news.abidjan.net. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- "Arrestation de 5 membres d'une structure de marketing de réseau pour " escroquerie " - Atoo.ci". atoo.ci. 18 April 2018.
- "Saadet zincirinden 65 şirket radarda". 11 October 2021.
- "1 milyon 800 bin lira dolandırdılar". EnPolitik.
- BPN (8 June 2018). "QNET-ის ქართულ ოფისს ეკა ბესელიას ოჯახის წევრები მართავენ". bpn.ge.
- "QNET-ის ქართულ ოფისს ეკა ბესელიას ოჯახის წევრები მართავენ". 8 June 2018.
- "QNET-ის უკან ეკა ბესელიას ოჯახი დგას - გამომძიებელ ჟურნალისტთა ჯგუფის სკანდალური დასკვნა - Rustavi2". Rustavi2.
- "فعالیت شبکه هرمی کوین نت در کردستان عراق حرام اعلام شد - سرخط". www.sarkhat.com.
- خطير, حسن قلي پور. "حوزه نیوز".
- "ARNAQUE : QNET au cœur d'un vaste scandale. - Teledakar". 16 August 2018.
- "ARNAQUE : QNET au cœur d'un vaste scandale".
- "QNET to create millionaires in Ghana". BusinessGhana.
- Mbai, Pa Nderry (24 October 2018). "GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: 15 PEOPLE ARRESTED AND DETAINED AT THE KAIRBA POLICE ON ALLEGATIONS OF ENTICING FOLKS WITH $100 TO JOIN THEIR IDOL WORSHIPPING GROUP CALLED QNET!".
- "50% населения Земли живет за чертой бедности". Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
- "Hyderabad: Girl, pals lose Rs 13 lakh, lodge complaint". Deccan Chronicle. 5 January 2019.
- "Police arrest two more in QNET scam". The New Indian Express.
- "More victims of QNet scam approach Cyberabad Police". Archived from the original on 12 January 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
- "3 arrested for Ponzi scheme via multi-level marketing business | Hyderabad News". The Times of India. 27 January 2019.
- "QNet case: Three more arrested in Hyderabad". Press Trust of India. 27 January 2019 – via Business Standard.
- "Hyderabad: Cyberabad police commissioner says no stay orders on QNet probe". Deccan Chronicle. 26 February 2019.
- "QNet scam: Cyberabad police issues notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor and Yuvraj Singh". Moneycontrol. 27 February 2019.
- "QNet scam: Cyberabad Police issues notice to Shah Rukh Khan and other Bollywood actors". India Today. Asian News International. 27 February 2019.
- "Shah Rukh Khan, Yuvraj Singh and Anil Kapoor issued notice by cops in QNet scam probe | Hyderabad News". The Times of India. 27 February 2019.
- "QNet: Cyberabad Police Arrests 58 Members of the MLM in Fraud and Cheating Cases Worth Rs1,000 Crore". Moneylife NEWS & VIEWS.
- Kumar, Naveen (9 January 2019). "Hyderabad: 58 held in QNet scam, Rs 2.7 crore in accounts frozen". Deccan Chronicle.
- "QNet scam: 57 arrested in massive crackdown by Cyberabad police". Business Standard India. 8 January 2019 – via Business Standard.
- "Money-circulating firms threat to national security". Deccan Chronicle. 9 January 2019.
- "Hyderabad: Techies are major victims of Qnet scams". Deccan Chronicle. 12 January 2019.
- "3 finance cos on government radar for scamming investors | Goa News". The Times of India. 16 January 2019.
- Automation, Bhaskar (29 March 2019). "ऑनलाइन बिजनेस से बेशुमार फायदे का भरोसा देकर 3.50 लाख लिए, अब नहीं लौटा रहे रुपए". Dainik Bhaskar.
- "Hyderabad: Man impersonates as gangster's bro for blackmail". Deccan Chronicle. 23 April 2019.
- "Mumbai Crime: IT employee hacks into colleague's bank details, steals Rs 3 lakh". mid-day. 8 May 2019.
- "Cyberabad cops probe suicide of ex-techie who invested Rs 25 lakh in Qnet 'Ponzi scheme'".
- "Hyderabad techie suicide: Andhra techie commits suicide post QNET losses, company denies wrongdoings | Hyderabad News". The Times of India. 31 July 2019.
- "Cyberabad Police seek information from ED, IT, RBI on QNET operations in ex-techie suicide case".
- "மீண்டும் க்யூநெட் மோசடி... பணத்தையும் இழந்து, காதலியும் வெறுத்ததால் இளைஞர் தற்கொலை". August 2019.
- "Airoli Office Death: Alleging police inaction, kin knocks on CP's door". 9 August 2019.
- "Airoli accident: Not a suicide, says family of man who fell off office building". 31 July 2019.
- "QNet: MCA Files Winding up Petition against Vihaan Direct Selling, Initiates Penal Action".
- "MCA initiates proceedings to wind up Vihaan PVT. Ltd". The Hindu. 27 August 2019.
- "70 arrested in QNET scam in Telangana". 28 August 2019.
- "Investors in Odisha Bring Fraud Charges Against Direct Selling Company QNET; Company Refutes". 4 September 2019.
- "Hyderabad: Ex-QNet member, running own MLM scheme, arrested | Hyderabad News". The Times of India.
- "Cyberabad Police bust multi-level marketing scam". 11 September 2019.
- "നെറ്റ്വർക്ക് മാർക്കറ്റിങ് തട്ടിപ്പ്: മൂന്നു പേർ അറസ്റ്റിൽ".
- "Ngaku Disekap Agen MLM, Bocah Kediri Diselamatkan Polisi dan Warga". Memontum.Com. 16 January 2019.
- Kurniawan, Endra (17 January 2019). "Soal Penyekapan Qnet yang Viral, Begini Tanggapan Kapolres Malang Kota".
- "Polisi Gerebek Kantor PT QN di Malang, Remaja Bandung Cari Kerja Disuruh Beli Produk Rp 8,2 Juta". Surya Malang.
- "Pemuda Lumajang Tertipu Janji Bisnis Bodong Qnet".
- "Bos MLM QNet Asal Madiun Ditangkap Polres Lumajang". 15 February 2020.
- "Kariyadi, Bos PT Amoeba International Madiun yang Ditangkap Polisi Suka Pamer Harta Kekayaan".
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "Investasi Bodong di Lumajang, PT Qnet Buka Lowongan Kerja untuk Presentasi Money Games". 15 September 2019.
- "Ribuan Masa Turunn Jalan Dukung Kapolres Tuntaskan Kejahatan Bisnis Skema Piramida QNet - Kanalindonesia.com". Archived from the original on 6 January 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- "Ribuan Warga Gelar Aksi Dukung Kapolres Lumajang Mengusut Tuntas Penipuan QNET".
- "Карагандинец попал в наркодиспансер после попытки заработать в QNET". NUR.KZ - Свежие новости Казахстана. 12 March 2019.
- "Conakry: le Colonel Tiégboro met le grappin sur un réseau "d'arnaqueurs" lié à QNET | Libre Opinion Guinée". 14 March 2019.
- Newspaper, The Calabash (13 April 2019). "Government Urged to Probe Qnet".
- "Arnaque à Qnet : le Directeur régional Afrique subsaharienne arrêté".
- "12 responsables de QNET devant la barre". DAKARPRIVEE.COM. 20 June 2019.
- "Tchad: l'Entreprise criminelle QNET extorque plus de 91 millions aux Tchadiens". 31 July 2019.
- "Tchad: Les autorités alertent sur une vaste escroquerie pyramidale". August 2019.
- "Arnaque à grande échelle au nom de QNET : Une centaine de Togolais dans l'enfer d'Ablekuma à Accra". 2 August 2019.
- Enquête/Arnaque à grande échelle au nom de QNET : Une centaine de Togolais dans l'enfer d'Ablekuma à Accra. Des témoignages poignants icilome.com
- "Malijet Faits divers : 213 maliens escroqués par le réseau QNET d'Abidjan... Bamako Mali".
- "Bamada.net - Faits divers : 213 maliens escroqués par le réseau QNET d'Abidjan".
- "Côte d'Ivoire : Plus de 200 ressortissants maliens victimes d'une vaste escroquerie, le préjudice estimé à près d'une centaine de millions de FCFA".
- "20 Nigerian sex workers deported since January 2019 – Immigration Service | General News 2019-08-09". Archived from the original on 9 August 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
- "48 Foreigners Deported over Fake Money Deals". 7 August 2019.
- "دستگیری 13 سرشاخه شرکت هرمی Qnet در کرج". 15 August 2019.
- "دستگیری 13 سرشاخه شرکت هرمی Qnet در کرج".