The Cyberabad Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has issued summons to over 500 individuals, including prominent Indian celebrities and athletes, demanding an explanation for their ties to QNet. The notices require recipients to appear before the investigation office within one week. Failure to do so could result in legal action.
The investigation is scrutinizing the alleged involvement of actors Shah Rukh Khan, Boman Irani, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Pooja Hegde, and Allu Sirish with the company. Cricketer Yuvraj Singh also received a summons. These notices are part of a broader inquiry targeting QNet's leadership, including its CEO, directors, shareholders, and promoters.
The Times of India reported that the police are seeking to understand the nature of the endorsements or any other involvement these public figures may have had with QNet. The EOW estimates that QNet has defrauded approximately two million victims, with losses totaling Rs. 200 billion, equivalent to $2.8 billion USD.
QNet, which operates in India through the shell company Vihaan Direct Selling, maintains that its operations in the country are fully compliant with local laws. However, the company has distanced itself from those who received the summons, stating that it has no brand association with them. This development follows the arrest of fifty-eight Indian affiliates in January.
The company’s promotional activities appear to have shifted geographically. Following the January arrests, QNet's marketing efforts have reportedly moved to Azerbaijan, Tanzania, and Algeria. QNet's business model has been previously identified as a product-based pyramid scheme. The company's use of multiple shell corporations has complicated efforts to hold its leadership accountable.