Top YouTuber Ducky Bhai Arrested in Lahore Over Illegal Gambling App Promotions
Pakistan’s cybercrime agency has arrested YouTuber Saad ur Rehman—known as Ducky Bhai—in connection with promoting online gambling apps without proper authorization.
Arrest and Charges
On Sunday morning, Ducky Bhai was apprehended at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport by officers from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), who intercepted him as he attempted to leave the country. His name had already been placed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL) for failing to respond to summonses. An FIR was filed, and the court granted a two-day physical remand to the NCCIA for further inquiry. He is expected to appear again on August 19.
Promoting Unlicensed Gambling Platforms
Investigations revealed that Ducky Bhai had promoted several unregistered online gambling platforms—including Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game—via roughly 27 videos on his YouTube channel. Authorities say these apps lured ordinary people into betting with false promises, resulting in significant financial losses.
At the time of his arrest, his phone was seized and contained WhatsApp conversations linked to gambling promotions along with evidence of illicit payments.
Alleged Role as an Unauthorized "Country Manager"
NCCIA and FIA officials allege that Ducky Bhai was acting as an unauthorized ‘Country Manager’ for Binomo, without clearance from the State Bank of Pakistan or the Federal Board of Revenue. The FIR includes charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), covering offenses like electronic forgery, fraud, spamming, and spoofing, along with relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Widespread Concerns Over Digital Influence
With over eight million YouTube subscribers, Ducky Bhai is one of Pakistan’s most influential content creators. His arrest has sparked debates about influencer accountability and the destructive impact of promoting illegal online ventures.
This case sheds light on the growing crackdown by authorities on digital platforms used for illicit operations.