Court cancels Ducky Bhai’s bail in gambling app promotion case
A local court on Monday cancelled YouTuber Ducky Bhai’s bail in the ongoing investigation into the promotion of illegal gambling apps and trading platforms in Pakistan, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
Rejecting the bail plea, the judicial magistrate noted that more than $300,000 was recovered from the accused, Saad ur Rehman alias Ducky Bhai.
The court observed that the suspect had actively promoted gambling applications using his laptop and mobile phone.
The popular content creator has been on judicial remand since his arrest at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on August 17.
He was taken into custody by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on charges of promoting platforms such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game through his YouTube channel.
Authorities allege that Ducky Bhai acted as a “country manager” for at least one of these platforms and received financial benefits for the promotions.
The case was filed under several provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, including sections 13 (Electronic Forgery), 14 (Electronic Fraud), 25 (Spamming), and 26 (Spoofing), alongside sections 294-B (Offering prize in connection with trade) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The high-profile case has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s digital community as authorities tighten their crackdown on influencer-driven endorsements of questionable platforms. Reports suggest that several other YouTubers and social media personalities have also been summoned for questioning.
Among them are Sistrology’s Iqra Kanwal, Muhammad Anas Ali, Muhammad Hasnain Shah, Mudasar Hasan, and Nadeem Mubarak, popularly known as Nadeem Nani Wala. Sources revealed that Iqra Kanwal has sought more time from the court, citing her pregnancy.
“This is not just about irresponsible advertising; it is about complicity in financial scams,” a senior NCCIA official told reporters on condition of anonymity, hinting that the probe could expand further.
With millions of Pakistanis relying on YouTubers and TikTok stars for entertainment, lifestyle inspiration, and even financial advice, the case has reignited debate over influencer accountability and the urgent need for strict regulations in digital advertising.