Investigations carried out led to the dismantling of a large criminal ring involved in human trafficking and smuggling under the cover of network marketing activities carried out in the names of QNET, IGNITE and UNIMEC. Thirteen suspects were arrested, including six key coordinators in Cameroon and seven active representatives or intermediaries. Investigators also identified more than 600 victims recruited by the network and several houses used as accommodation and logistics bases in Douala, Bafoussam, Ebolowa, Kye-Ossi, Bertoua, Ngaoundéré, Maroua, Garoua and Yaoundé.
According to Colonel ATANGANA Fiacre Kisito, Deputy Central Coordination Director of (DCC-A) and Director of Employment and Structures (DES), the ring is led by individuals based in Malaysia, with active branches across West and Central Africa. Its main targets are vulnerable young people, job seekers, students and prospective migrants. Their modus operandi consists of luring victims through job offers or training opportunities abroad, promises of high returns, risk-free guarantees, and aggressive or coercive recruitment practices. Once recruited, victims are required to pay substantial fees and are housed in compounds converted into collective dormitories, where they are subjected to strict control and constant pressure. Some victims from the southern regions of the country are transferred through Garoua to Nigeria, while foreigners, particularly Chadians, are integrated into local networks operating in the Yaounde neighbourhoods of Awae, Tam-Tam, Mvan and Nkozoa.
In view of the scale of this phenomenon, the Deputy Director of Central Coordination (DCC-A) urged the public to remain vigilant and not to be deceived by false promises, attractive online business offers or seemingly lucrative proposals made by relatives or acquaintances.
The investigation remains ongoing, with active efforts underway to apprehend two individuals currently located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. The suspects already arrested will be brought before the State Prosecutor at the Yaounde High Court in the days ahead.
