Manny Ita –
The Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the rescue of 44 Ghanaian nationals from a fraudulent recruitment network linked to QNET operating in Nigeria. The victims were reportedly lured with false promises of employment and travel opportunities before being trafficked to Nigeria, where they were subjected to exploitative conditions.
In a press statement released on March 21, 2026, the Ministry explained that the victims were deceived through social media and informal recruitment channels. “Affected individuals were lured through deceptive means, including social media and informal recruitment channels, with false promises of employment and travel opportunities. Upon arrival, they were subjected to exploitative conditions, including restricted movement, psychological coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the scheme,” the statement read.
The rescue followed a coordinated operation conducted on March 16, 2026, by Nigerian security authorities, including the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with relevant Ghanaian institutions. The 44 individuals were safely repatriated to Accra on March 20, 2026.
The Ghanaian government said it is working closely with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders to dismantle the criminal networks behind the operation. Measures are being implemented to support the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the rescued individuals. The Ministry also expressed appreciation to the Government of Nigeria for its swift intervention and continued cooperation.
QNET, a Hong Kong-based direct selling company founded in 1998, sells lifestyle and wellness products through independent distributors who earn commissions by selling products and recruiting others into the business. In Nigeria, QNET reportedly expanded formally around 2022 and continues to grow its presence through local partners and independent representatives. Last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested suspects connected to a QNET-related scam that allegedly defrauded Nigerian students of hundreds of millions of naira through fake training schemes and recruitment programs. Investigations revealed that victims were charged between N1.2 million and N1.3 million under false promises of education, jobs, and international opportunities.
The Ministry stressed that the rescue operation underscores the importance of vigilance against fraudulent recruitment schemes and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad.
