Ducky Bhai sent on 14-day judicial remand in gambling probe case
A Lahore court on Monday sent YouTuber Ducky Bhai to jail on a 14-day judicial remand in connection with an investigation into the promotion of illegal gambling apps and trading platforms in Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) produced him before the district courts, where the judicial magistrate ordered his transfer to jail after the expiry of his three-day physical remand.
The magistrate also instructed the officials to complete their investigation and submit the challan at the earliest.
Ducky Bhai, whose real name is Saadur Rehman, was arrested at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on August 17 on charges of promoting platforms such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game via his YouTube channel.
Authorities allege that he acted as a “country manager” for at least one of these apps and received financial benefits from their promotion.
The case was registered by the state under sections 13 (Electronic Forgery), 14 (Electronic Fraud), 25 (Spamming) and 26 (Spoofing) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, as well as sections 294-B (Offering prize in connection with trade) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The development has sent ripples through the digital community as authorities tighten scrutiny of influencer-driven promotions. Reports suggest that the agency has summoned several more YouTubers for questioning.
With millions relying on YouTubers and TikTok stars for lifestyle, entertainment, and even financial guidance, the scandal underscores the urgent need for clear guidelines on influencer marketing and advertising 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).
Read Also: Iqra Kanwal seeks time from court in gambling app promotion case
Iqra Kanwal has approached the court seeking more time, citing her pregnancy.
A senior NCCIA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, hinted that the probe could expand further. “This is not just about irresponsible advertising; it is about complicity in financial scams,” the official said.
Read Also: NCCIA puts Rajab Butt on notice in probe over betting and illegal trading apps