The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and the international online retailer QNET, which has a strong presence in Ghana, have announced a significant partnership to fight against cross-border organised crime, including human trafficking, recruitment scams, and financial crimes disguised under the QNET name.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) includes a detailed four-point commitment of detection and investigation aims at thoroughly investigating criminal activities against Ghanaian citizens and the economy that use the QNET brand.
It also includes the prosecution of individuals and groups involved in illegal activities, raising public awareness about the dangers of these crimes, and providing education on how to recognize and avoid them, with planned roadshows.
Additionally, it aims to enhance collaboration between EOCO, other law enforcement agencies and QNET to prevent the misuse of legitimate businesses for criminal activities.
During a joint press conference, the Executive Director of EOCO, Mr. Raymond Archer, pointed out the severe effects these crimes have on Ghanaian citizens, especially the youth.
“For us at EOCO, it is crucial that we act quickly and decisively to tackle them,” Archer said.
He announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between EOCO and QNET to work together in identifying and breaking down these criminal networks.
Mr. Archer stressed that the partnership is a vital step in fighting organized and cross-border crime in Ghana.
“Through this partnership, QNET and EOCO aim to use our expertise and resources to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks, safeguard our citizens, and uphold the integrity of our economy,” he confirmed.
He expressed his thanks to QNET for their collaboration and recognized the leadership and support of the National Security Coordinator, the Director-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Bureau for their contributions to this partnership,
At the same time, Ms Ramya Chandrasekeran, Chief Information Officer of QI Group (the parent company of QNET), expressed her gratitude to EOCO for taking this courageous step.
“This partnership is not merely a collaboration between a private firm and a government body; it represents the unification of two organizations with a common goal: to safeguard innocent lives from the deceit and brutality of organized crime syndicates,” she remarked.
Ms Chandrasekeran shared her personal sorrow upon hearing accounts of Ghanaians who have lost their life savings, been trafficked, or had their aspirations shattered due to the exploitation of the QNET name.
“Those behind these scams are not only damaging the QNET reputation; they are ruining lives, tearing families apart, and driving individuals into illegal migration, forced labor and worse,” she emphasized.
She outlined QNET’s initiatives over the last two years, which include public awareness campaigns like QNET Against Scams, ongoing media engagement, partnerships with law enforcement, and a free financial literacy program aimed at vulnerable communities.
“As a private entity, our influence has its limits. This is why today is significant; we have EOCO supporting us,” noted Chandrasekeran.
“With EOCO’s authority, reach, and investigative capabilities, combined with our dedication to transparency and education, we now possess the united strength to elevate this battle,” she added.
The collaboration aims to create awareness roadshows, enhance media campaigns, and facilitate crucial intelligence sharing to aid EOCO’s enforcement efforts.
The Chief Communications Officer wrapped up by saying, “We don’t want to be seen as a company that merely defended its brand. We aim to be recognized as a company that stood up for the people. And as long as criminals exploit our name to harm innocent individuals, we will continue to fight.”
By Philip Antoh