Herbal juice company under Crime Branch scanner

KOCHI: An international company engaged in selling herbal juice, working in a manner similar to that of controversial money chain companies, has come under the scanner of the Crime Branch (Economic Offences Wing) and intelligence officials after the firm canvassed over 20,000 members across the state. The Crime Branch and intelligence officials fear that this company could be another money chain company, and could have duped people of crores of rupees.The US-based company, with its office in Kochi, is slowly gaining foothold in northern parts of the state. “We are monitoring the company mainly because of its similarity in functioning to the money chain companies, an intelligence official told Express.He added that many of this company’s agents had been with Tycoon and Nano Excel, notorious money chain firms against which cases of fraud had been registered.The herbal juice company’s modus operandi is identical to that of the money chain system, giving commission to a member if he or she could add another person to the existing chain.The interesting twist is that the new member has to purchase 750 ml of herbal juice for Rs 8,000 to gain membership. Up to eight per cent commission is given to a member who adds more members by selling the juice, the official elaborated and added that an annual grant of two per cent is also given in addition to the weekly commission. Though the company has agents in all the districts, its prime region of focus is north Kerala. Such companies thrive by canvassing close friends and relatives, the official said.“In most cases, the promoters first take the relatives and close friends into confidence. Most people join these companies not because of any interest in the products, but due to a commitment to their friends and family members, Crime Branch (EOW) DySP Sunil Kumar said.“We are keeping a close eye on the agents and people behind the company,” he said. However, he added that they had not yet received complaints in this regard till now. “However, if there is any complaint, we would take immediate action,” he said.The DySP also asked the people to be more cautious before investing money in such shady companies.