In a significant operation against transnational crime and financial scams, Malian police have dismantled a major criminal network affiliated with QNET in Kayes. The operation, dubbed "KOKADJÈ", was led by Commissioner Daouda Cissé and carried out by the police department's first arrondissement. The crackdown was initiated after police received intelligence on the network's activities.
The investigation revealed that the network was operating a pyramid scheme under the guise of QNET, exploiting vulnerable citizens seeking financial opportunities. The suspects had converted a house into a clandestine indoctrination center in the Kayes-Lafiabougou neighborhood. Police arrested 16 suspects and took them into custody, while identifying 170 victims, mostly young people lured by promises of lucrative jobs or quick investments.
According to security sources, the victims were enticed with promises of highly paid jobs, but were required to pay sums ranging from 100,000 to 1,600,000 FCFA to access them. Once in the network, they were subjected to indoctrination and forced to recruit others using the FACE method: Family, Friends, Colleagues, and Environment. Those who refused were sequestered.
The operation highlights the deceptive tactics often used by such networks, which employ aggressive sales and network marketing techniques to extort large sums of money from victims. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting the population from scams and tracking organized crime networks across the country.
The QNET-linked network is just one example of the many pyramid schemes that have been targeting vulnerable individuals in Mali. These schemes often promise unrealistic returns on investment or guaranteed employment, but ultimately result in financial losses for the victims.
The Malian authorities have been working to combat such scams, with the Director of the National Police, Controller Tapa Oury Demba Diallo, launching the "KOKADJÈ" operation to tackle transnational crime. The success of this operation demonstrates the determination of the authorities to protect citizens from financial exploitation.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody, and the authorities are working to bring them to justice. The victims, meanwhile, are receiving support and assistance from the authorities. The operation serves as a warning to those involved in such scams that the authorities will not tolerate their activities.
Key points
- 170 victims were identified and 16 suspects were arrested in the operation.
- The network was operating a pyramid scheme under the guise of QNET.
- The victims were lured with promises of lucrative jobs or quick investments, but were ultimately forced to recruit others or pay large sums of money.
