Ducky Bhai summoned for indictment in gambling app promotion case on December 20
A local court has summoned YouTuber Saadur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, along with other accused for indictment proceedings in a case involving the alleged illegal promotion of gambling apps, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo announced that the accused will be formally charged on December 20.
During the hearing, Saadur Rehman appeared in court alongside co-accused Aroob Jatoi and others.
Saad also filed an application seeking the possession of his seized laptop, mobile phone and other items from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
The court has sought a detailed report from the agency before ruling on the plea.
Also, the court dismissed the acquittal plea of co-accused Subhan, allowing the case to proceed against him.
Saad won a major reprieve on Monday, when the Lahore High Court granted him bail.
Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhary ordered his release on a Rs 1 million surety bond.
Saad has been held since his August 17 arrest at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport by the NCCIA, where he was detained while trying to leave Pakistan after his name surfaced on a watchlist.
He was accused of promoting illegal online gambling apps on social media. The NCCIA registered a case under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (electronic forgery, fraud, spamming, spoofing) and the Pakistan Penal Code (notably sections 294-B and 420).
Authorities say he endorsed platforms like Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365 and B9 Game to his followers. The FIR lists 27 YouTube video links in which he allegedly promoted these apps, although many links were later removed.
Officials claimed he even acted as a country manager for one app, and personally profited from the scheme. The case also stems from a mid-June tip-off that several influencers were pushing unlawful betting apps to earn kickbacks.
According to investigators, thousands of ordinary Pakistanis lost their hard-earned money after investing in these fraud-plagued apps. The promotion blitz reportedly enticed many into betting schemes that never paid out returns.
Earlier in 2025, he faced a separate motorway-driving case and even received protective bail from the LHC over a reckless-driving charge.
Over the years, Rehman cultivated a huge social media following (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.), which he monetised through ads and brand deals.
Though he occasionally courted controversy – debates with other influencers and comments that sparked outrage – he remained a well-known figure in youth culture.
This saga sent ripples through Pakistan’s digital community. Observers point out that with millions of citizens relying on social-media personalities for advice or investment tips, the Ducky Bhai case highlights how thin the lines can be between entertainment and fraud.
In fact, analysts say the scandal calls for “the urgent need for clear guidelines on influencer marketing and advertising ethics” in Pakistan.
Reporter: Shaheen Ateeq