In the1980s, the joint owners of 'Amway', Richard De Vos and Jay Van Andel, along with one of their corporate officers in Canada, were charged with defrauding the Canadian people out of a sum estimated at around C$140 millions. Evidence recovered by tax investigators proved that they had maliciously set up, and run for many years, an elaborate racket (including a dummy corporation) to avoid paying sales tax in Canada. Furthermore, when this fraud was uncovered by 'Amway's' own accountants, 'Amway's owners tried to cover up what they'd been doing.

'Amway's' owners failed to attend the ensuing court proceedings and their extradition was sought by the Canadians. Eventually, an out of court settlement was reached that allowed the conviction to stand against 'Amway' rather than against its owners. Including costs, De Vos and Van Andel handed over C$ 75 millions and avoided prison.

'Amway' propaganda present this scandal as a noble sacrifice to protect the 'Amway Business'.

David Brear, Paris, France

Where will I get my washing powder, my Nutrilite, my Artistry Time Defiance? What am I to tell my many customers who rely on Amway's wonderful products? Will the children no longer be able to drink fresh clean purified water?
This could be a catastrophe.

Eva. London. UK

Eva Lester, London, UK

Mr Cunningham, how does a $6.4 billion (£3.2 billion), [or is it $6.4 billion (£3.1 billion), David Brown, Adam Luck and Tom Bawden?] company, [apparently one of the world’s biggest direct selling groups?] stay in business [selling £12.5 million worth of products] with only 36,000 [David Brown] [or is 12,000? David Brown, Adam Luck and Tom Bawden] IBOs / sales people? [different legal entities?], without training or motivation? I cannot find a single motivational book, tape [who even owns a tape player?] or seminar on any of their websites world-wide [or do they have two catalogues?] and still survive since 1973? Some say its income comes from a recruiting fee of £18 [almost 700,000 new IBOs were recruited last year?]. I think the majority are independent [and do nothing] and pathetically ineffective [and need motivation] and do not get promotion [as in any other sales organisation]. My research shows IBOs cannot be fired, can resign, can get their money back and can make money. Hmmmm!

Allan, Johanesburg, RSA