Seventy former QNet affiliates gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru over the weekend, demanding regulatory action against what they call a large-scale pyramid scheme. Among the first to file a police report, Anupam Singh and Priyanka Rani told a local newspaper they lost roughly Rs 10 lakh in 2016.

These seventy individuals, including doctors, software engineers, and small business owners, represent a fraction of the alleged victims across India. They contend thousands have lost significant savings to the operation, which they say continues to function largely unchecked by law enforcement or regulatory bodies.

Anupam Singh, who works at a private firm, recounted losing approximately Rs 10 lakh in 2016. His wife's relatives introduced him to QNet. "When the truth emerged, my wife's relatives were untraceable and she's facing trouble with her parents," Singh stated. "This company is ruining lives and relationships." Priyanka Rani, also from a private firm, joined Singh in filing one of the initial First Information Reports.

Many protesters shared similar stories of financial and personal distress. They reported intense pressure to recruit family members and close friends, often presented as the primary method to recoup their own initial investments. QNet allegedly offered various products, including wellness packages, travel bookings, and online education courses, framing these sales as legitimate business activity. In reality, victims claim the true focus was on collecting large sums from new recruits, accompanied by promises of substantial, quick returns.

Local police departments have received approximately 25 First Information Reports concerning QNet. Despite these formal complaints, victims report a consistent lack of meaningful investigation or enforcement action. The alleged scheme continues to operate across multiple Indian states.

Protest organizers specifically requested the Karnataka Crime Investigation Department (CID) assume control of the QNet cases. Senior police officials confirmed their approval for the transfer. Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar has corresponded with Director General and Inspector General of Police Neelmani Raju regarding the matter. Yet, the cases currently remain in bureaucratic limbo. Praveen Sood, Director General of Police for the CID, indicated his department would initiate a full investigation upon receiving formal orders.

India currently accounts for the fourth largest volume of traffic to QNet's website, according to Alexa estimates, underscoring the scheme's significant presence in the country. This comes as Turkey recently identified QNet as one of nineteen pyramid schemes operating within its borders, drawing international attention to the company's business model.

Vijay Eswaran, QNet's founder, is currently a wanted fugitive in India. He directs the company's operations from Malaysia, reportedly utilizing a complex network of shell companies. Observers believe this intricate corporate structure allows QNet to evade regulatory oversight and enforcement actions globally. A recent review by Daily Exposed concluded the company likely emphasizes affiliate autoship recruitment over genuine product sales to consumers, aligning with pyramid scheme characteristics.

India's regulatory framework for direct selling has often faced criticism for its ambiguities, which can make prosecuting alleged pyramid schemes difficult. The Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act of 1978 and provisions within the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 could apply, but enforcement remains a challenge. Victims frequently find themselves navigating a labyrinth of legal and administrative hurdles.

Beyond the immediate financial losses, victims describe severe psychological distress, broken family ties, and social stigma. The protest in Bengaluru serves as a public cry for intervention, hoping to compel authorities to act decisively against schemes that disrupt countless lives. Victims seeking assistance with alleged QNet scams can contact the National Consumer Helpline at 1800-11-4000.