Popular Pakistani YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, better known as Ducky Bhai, was arrested early Sunday at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport after authorities accused him of promoting illegal online gambling applications.
According to media reports, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) lodged a case against him under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, including Section 13 (Electronic Forgery), Section 14 (Electronic Fraud), Section 25 (Spamming), and Section 26 (Spoofing). He also faces charges under Sections 294-B and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
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The FIR stated that the case stemmed from an inquiry launched on June 13 following “reliable information” that several influencers were promoting gambling apps such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game for monetary gain. Investigators claim that 27 videos from Ducky Bhai’s channel were found promoting such apps, though some have since been removed.
Authorities allege that users who invested in these platforms suffered financial losses, with the apps withholding promised profits. Evidence presented in the FIR also suggested Rehman acted as a “country manager” for Binomo without authorization from regulatory bodies like the State Bank of Pakistan or FBR.
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Officials said Rehman was summoned during the investigation but failed to appear, after which his name was placed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL). On August 16, FIA Immigration flagged him at Lahore airport while attempting to travel abroad. His mobile phone was confiscated, and investigators claimed to have recovered chats with Binomo representatives, payment records, and promotional materials.
Rehman is expected to be presented before a Lahore court on Monday, where authorities are likely to request his physical remand for further investigation.
