A judicial magistrate on Wednesday handed over YouTuber Ducky Bhai to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on a two-day physical remand in connection with an alleged online gambling app case.
The FIA officials produced him before the magistrate after the expiry of his earlier remand and requested an extension, arguing that further investigation was required.
Ducky Bhai was later taken back into FIA custody for further interrogation. On Monday, the court extended the YouTuber’s remand for two more days.
After having brought Ducky Bhai to the investigation, the agency summoned more YouTubers for questioning, according to a report.
The case has sent ripples through the digital community as authorities tighten their scrutiny of influencer-driven promotions.
With millions relying on YouTubers and TikTok stars for lifestyle, entertainment, and even financial guidance, the scandal underscores the urgent need for guidelines on influencer marketing and ad ethics.
According to reports, among those summoned were Sistrology’s Iqra Kanwal, Muhammad Anas Ali, Muhammad Hasnain Shah, Mudasar Hasan, and Nadeem Mubarak (popularly known as Nadeem Nani Wala).
The inquiry revolves around accusations that these content creators promoted unregulated trading platforms and gambling applications, and many users ended up losing their hard-earned savings.
Investigators allege that the influencers, by lending their names and credibility, played a direct role in misleading the public.
Since much of their audience comprises impressionable youth, authorities argue the endorsements carried disproportionate influence, amplifying the scale of losses.
A senior NCCIA official, speaking on background, hinted that the probe could expand further: “This is not just about irresponsible advertising; it is about complicity in financial scams.
“We will examine whether the influencers knowingly promoted fraudulent apps or failed to perform due diligence.”
The alleged violations fall under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which prohibits online fraud, gambling promotions, and unlicensed financial schemes.
The list of those brought into the cybercrime probe body’s radar includes the country’s most recognisable names from YouTube and other social media platforms.
While most have remained silent publicly, some have indirectly hinted that they, too, may have been misled by third-party agencies offering promotional deals.
Over the past few years, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in get-rich-quick apps, often disguised as trading platforms or gaming investments.
To gain traction, their operators often approached influencers with lucrative sponsorship offers. The creators would then release promotional videos assuring fans of easy profits.
However, when the apps collapsed or froze withdrawals, thousands of small investors were left empty-handed.
Digital rights activists argue the trend underscores a lack of advertising regulations and financial literacy.
“Influencers are not just entertainers anymore; they are opinion leaders. That power comes with responsibility,” one activist noted.
Legal experts believe that if intent to defraud can be proven, the influencers could face hefty fines, content bans, or even imprisonment.
However, if they successfully argue that they, too, were deceived by fraudulent companies, responsibility may shift to the app developers.