Speak Asia’s Indian CEO Manoj Kumar released a video statement yesterday after the Mumbai arrests of Chief Operating Officer Tarak Bajpai and three other senior members. Kumar, currently wanted for questioning by Mumbai's Economic Offenses Wing (EOW), remains at large, as does Global CEO Harendar Kaur, who has not issued a statement from Singapore.
Kumar identified himself as Speak Asia's CEO and explained his absence by stating he had been "traveling for business for the last ten days." This trip occurred despite Speak Asia having no official business operations or members outside India. He did not disclose his current location.
Kumar then read from a prepared statement, reassuring members of his return to India. He did not provide a specific timeline for his planned return.
He raised three points with viewers. First, he claimed Speak Asia had faced "unparalleled victimization since 11th of May, 2011" due to a "malicious, unsubstantiated campaign against a television channel, against your company." He alleged "vested interests" joined hands, focusing on "personal glory, their gains, their money," while ignoring the plight of "more than 15 lakh (1.5 million) families" for whom Speak Asia is a "major catalyst" for economic independence.
Speak Asia Online primarily operates on a recruitment-driven model. Members receive small payments for surveys and larger rewards for recruiting new members. The "economic independence" Kumar mentioned refers to the recruitment commissions, as survey payouts range from $7 to $20 weekly.
Kumar denied any crimes had been committed by the company or its members, stating, "till date neither your company, nor any of its management executives have in any way been formally charged with any misdoings." This contradicts official records. Bajpai and the three other arrested members were charged with "criminal conspiracy and cheating and also under sections of the rarely used Prize Chits And Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act."
For the remainder of the video, Kumar reiterated previous Speak Asia statements. He mentioned Mumbai offices, despite the company having no property in India. He insisted on full cooperation with Indian authorities to explain Speak Asia's business model, feigning surprise at the recent arrests.
Speak Asia's official explanation to government authorities likely described its model as "consumer empowerment" focused on market research and surveys. However, the company's core activity involves recruiting new members and collecting joining fees. Authorities, after their own investigations into the business model, have taken action.
Kumar concluded by personally promising to lead Speak Asia "from the front" and head to Mumbai "soon."