EOCO, QNET repatriate 33 Burkinabè nationals rescued from Model Q trafficking syndicate

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), with support from multinational direct-selling company QNET, has successfully repatriated 33 Burkinabe nationals who were rescued during a major anti-trafficking operation in Ghana. The handover took place at the Paga Border Post on August 14, 2026, following the victims’ repatriation the previous day.

The operation on July 21, 2026, led to the rescue and arrest of 44 foreign nationals believed to be connected to a travel scam syndicate. Those rescued comprised 34 nationals from Burkina Faso, eight from Côte d’Ivoire, one from Mali, and one from Nigeria. After preliminary screening with diplomatic missions, 33 Burkinabe nationals were cleared for repatriation and handed over to INTERPOL Burkina Faso.

The ‘Model Q’ Modus Operandi

The operation followed a regional law enforcement workshop jointly organized by EOCO, INTERPOL, and QNET in Ghana in July 2026. The workshop focused on the “Model Q Modus Operandi” —a human trafficking network exploiting vulnerable young people through fake job offers, scholarship opportunities, and investment schemes.

EOCO Senior Legal Officer Sedina Gbeve explained that investigations initially suggested a link to QNET, prompting closer monitoring. However, further inquiries established that perpetrators were using the QNET brand to deceive victims, while the company itself was not behind the criminal activities. This led to EOCO signing a Memorandum of Understanding with QNET in July 2025 to strengthen collaboration.

Public-Private Partnership in Action

Cherif Sarr, QNET’s Regional General Manager for Central and West Africa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to combating the misuse of its brand: “Criminal networks that misuse QNET’s name damage trust and, more importantly, put vulnerable people at risk. We have a responsibility to act when we become aware of such activity”.

EOCO acknowledged that the operation’s success underscored the importance of timely information-sharing and cooperation between law enforcement, the private sector, and international partners. The QNET-EOCO partnership has gained international recognition, including at the inaugural Global Fraud Summit 2026.

Ongoing Efforts and Public Caution

QNET has established a Compliance Office in Accra where authorities and media can seek clarification on suspected misuse of the company’s name. The public is urged to exercise caution when presented with offers that appear to guarantee employment or travel opportunities while falsely claiming to represent QNET.

This repatriation follows similar efforts, including the safe return of 22 Burkinabe nationals in May 2025. The partnership between EOCO and QNET has reportedly led to the rescue of over 300 victims and the arrest of perpetrators exploiting the QNET name.