Forty-two people linked to a QNet human trafficking case have been rescued in Nigeria. Authorities arrested Timothy Bayi, the alleged head of the syndicate, after raids in Calabar on August 14 and 15.
The group targeted young people with offers of overseas jobs. After collecting large payments for visas and documents, the jobs never appeared. Some victims were instead directed into an illegal pyramid-style marketing scheme identified as QNet.
Rescued Cameroonian national Hamlet Ndiame said he first believed he was joining a legitimate network-marketing business. He later researched the company and confirmed it was QNet. He raised concerns about the recruitment practices used by some members.
This rescue follows the arrest of twelve other suspects earlier in the month. Nigerian officials have described QNet as a transnational organised criminal group. They have warned citizens to stay away from networks linked to the scheme.
