The Hyderabad Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has busted a major multi-level marketing (MLM) fraud network allegedly operating under the name “Ignite” linked to QNet. Police said the group was planning a nationwide scam worth nearly ₹5,000 crore by luring people with promises of high returns on investments.
Six key accused were arrested from Kerala, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. According to investigators, victims were convinced through WhatsApp messages, Zoom presentations and direct meetings to invest money, with some paying up to ₹1.87 lakh. Later, they were told that returns would come only if they recruited more members, exposing the pyramid-style fraud.
Based on complaints registered at SR Nagar, Kachiguda and Punjagutta police stations, the case was transferred to the EOW. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said the network had also targeted Army personnel for recruitment. Police are preparing to issue Red Corner Notices against the alleged masterminds, Padman Senathiraja and Vijay Eswaran, who are currently abroad.
