Lahore’s influencer community is reeling after a major development in the case of YouTuber Ducky Bhai, whose real name is Saad-ur-Rehman. On Monday, a local court sent him to jail on a 14-day judicial remand for allegedly promoting illegal gambling applications in Pakistan.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) produced Saad in court after his three-day physical remand expired. During the proceedings, the magistrate instructed investigators to submit the case challan without delay, underscoring the urgency of the probe.
Saad’s arrest, which took place at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on August 17, was described by authorities as a dramatic operation. Officials allege that the YouTuber not only advertised gambling platforms such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game but also served as a country manager for one of them. Investigators claim he facilitated substantial payments to entice his millions of followers into joining the apps, according to SUCH TV.
With millions of subscribers across his social media platforms, Ducky Bhai is one of Pakistan’s most recognizable digital personalities. However, the charges he now faces are serious. Authorities say his alleged involvement amounts to violations of the Electronic Crimes Act 2016 as well as multiple provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. Offenses under these laws include fraud, digital forgery, spamming, cheating, and dishonesty. If convicted, Saad could face significant penalties and heavy fines.
The case has sparked intense debate across Pakistan’s online community. Supporters argue that Saad’s arrest highlights the government’s growing crackdown on digital expression, while critics insist that influencers must be held accountable when their actions potentially enable financial exploitation.
The scandal has not been limited to one figure. The NCCIA confirmed that several other high-profile influencers have been summoned for questioning. Among them are Sisterology’s Iqra Kanwal, Muhammad Anas Ali, Hasnain Shah, Mudassar Hassan, and viral star Nadeem Naniwal. Investigators say their involvement is being probed to determine whether they too played a role in promoting gambling apps or facilitating related financial scams.
Authorities stressed that the case is not just about misleading advertising but also alleged participation in schemes designed to defraud unsuspecting fans. “This is a matter of financial scams disguised as harmless entertainment,” an NCCIA official said.
The fallout from Saad’s arrest has cast a spotlight on Pakistan’s influencer economy, which has rapidly expanded in recent years. While creators often tout products and services for brands, critics argue that the lack of oversight leaves millions of fans vulnerable to exploitation.
As the investigation unfolds, the influencer community finds itself under unprecedented scrutiny, with many wondering how far the scandal will spread and what it means for the future of Pakistan’s digital culture.
