Former world billiards champion Michael Ferreira, wanted for questioning by Mumbai police in connection with an alleged Rs 425-crore scam spearheaded by a multi-level marketing firm QNET, today said he was recovering and would soon be able to return to India.
"In light of the latest barrage of media reports on reasons why I have not attended the office of the EOW for summons issued in my absence, I would like to once again clarify and correct some ridiculous and completely false statements and information doing rounds in the media," Ferreira (75), a shareholder in the Indian franchisee of QNET called Vihaan Direct Selling (VDS) said in an email today.
Mumbai Police had also issued a 'Look Out Notice' against him in connection with an alleged Rs 425-crore scam spearheaded by a multi-level marketing firm QNET.
"I have been in Malaysia for a few tests and medical treatment to address some of my long standing ailments and health issues. Malaysia being among the best medical tourism destinations in the world and also home to very close family friends was naturally the first choice for me," Ferreira said in the emailed statement released by QNET today.
"Once again, as I have said before, I reaffirm that I have spent most of my life building my reputation and serving India on various platforms, including sports and public service. So I find it ridiculous that anyone would say that I am trying to avoid or run away from my responsibilities and from co-operating with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW)," he added.
QNET has also clarified that Dev Wadhwani and Sachin Gupta were only independent representatives of the company in Hong Kong and Dubai respectively, and not employed by it through any of its global offices.
"Dev and Sachin never received summons to appear before the EOW. Not through any known communication channels including eMail, SMS, Whataspp, BBM, Traditional Mail or even phone calls," a QNET spokesperson clarified.
"Dev and Sachin are both bonafide NRIs and have been so for several years in Hong Kong and Dubai respectively. Unlike what is implied by a lookout notice, they haven't fled the country as they live abroad and have no connection with VDS.
"They only come when invited by Vihaan as 'motivational speakers' to impart knowledge and help budding entrepreneurs survive and overcome challenges inherent with entrepreneurship through their own experiences and live examples," the QNET statement said.
QNET also denied that it had been operating a "binary" compensation plan which is "banned" in India.
"QNET operates a "hybrid" compensation plan and there is no law governing this industry as of now and therefore no ban on 'binary' or for that matter any other compensation plan," the QNET statement claimed.
Meanwhile, EOW chief Rajvardhan Sinha said, "If Ferreira comes to India, we will come to know. We will follow due process, so that he can join the investigation".
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