A high-profile case has been registered against popular Pakistani YouTuber Saqib-ur-Rehman, alias Ducky Bhai, on charges of money laundering through illegal online gambling applications, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
The suspect was apprehended at Allama Iqbal International Airport last night while allegedly attempting to flee abroad. Officials said his mobile phone data and suspicious WhatsApp numbers were seized during the investigation.
According to the National Cyber Crime Agency (NCCA), the YouTuber is booked for promoting gambling applications such as 1xBet and Binomo through his YouTube channel and other social media platforms.
Authorities claim that these promotions lured the public into illegal gambling and fraudulent investment schemes, causing the national exchequer losses worth millions of rupees.
The FIR states that Ducky Bhai was actively misleading citizens through social media campaigns. Evidence of illegal payments and app promotions has been recovered.
A special investigation team comprising Assistant Director Shoaib Riaz, Sub-Inspector Yasir Ramzan, and Head Constable Tahir has been formed to probe the case.
The NCCA has also sought a detailed record of the YouTuber’s assets and financial transactions, adding that further investigations are underway.
Reporter: Abid Chaudhry