In a shocking turn of events, Saad ur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, one of Pakistan’s most prominent YouTubers, was arrested on Sunday morning at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. The social media star, boasting nearly nine million YouTube subscribers and 2.4 million TikTok followers, was detained by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) after allegedly attempting to flee the country while listed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL). The charges against him are serious, centering on his alleged promotion of illegal online gambling applications.
According to NCCIA officials, Rehman used his massive online platforms, particularly YouTube, to promote unlicensed gambling apps such as Binomo, 1XBet, Bet365, and B9 Game. Investigators claim that at least 27 links on his YouTube channel directed viewers to these betting platforms, which allegedly lured users with false promises of easy profits, leading to significant financial losses for many. The agency recovered a mobile phone from Rehman, said to contain promotional content for these apps, suspicious financial records, and WhatsApp contacts linked to gambling networks.
The NCCIA has registered a case against him under FIR No. 196/25, invoking sections 13, 14, 25, and 26 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA 2016, amended 2025), as well as Sections 294-B and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which cover offenses related to cybercrimes, cheating, and obscene acts. Authorities further allege that Rehman acted as a self-styled ‘Country Manager’ for the Binomo app without authorization from the State Bank of Pakistan or the Federal Board of Revenue, raising questions about his financial dealings.
On August 17, Rehman was presented before a Judicial Magistrate at the Lahore District Courts. The NCCIA requested custody to deepen their investigation into his alleged role in promoting illegal gambling. The court granted a two-day physical remand, directing that he be produced again on August 19 with a progress report. Advocate Zain Ali Qureshi represented Rehman in court, but details of the defense arguments remain undisclosed.
Investigators have stated that digital evidence extracted from Rehman’s phone points to payments tied to gambling promotions. Despite being summoned multiple times to join inquiries, Rehman allegedly ignored these calls before attempting to leave the country, prompting his arrest at the airport. The NCCIA has indicated that financial and digital investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of uncovering additional evidence in the coming days.
This isn’t the first time Ducky Bhai has found himself in hot water. In 2024, Rehman and his wife, influencer Aroob Jatoi, were briefly detained in Model Town for displaying firearms in online content, an act that sparked widespread criticism. Earlier this year, he also faced legal trouble with the Motorway Police, who booked him in separate cases for over speeding and dangerous driving. These incidents, combined with the current allegations, have painted a picture of a public figure repeatedly entangled in legal controversies.
The allegations of promoting illegal gambling apps strike at the heart of a growing concern in Pakistan: the unchecked influence of social media stars in endorsing potentially harmful products. The NCCIA’s crackdown signals a broader effort to regulate online platforms and hold influencers accountable for their endorsements.
This high-profile case serves as a stark reminder of the power—and pitfalls—of social media stardom. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, influencers like Ducky Bhai may find themselves navigating an increasingly complex web of legal and ethical challenges.
He is just spreading non-sense in the youth. His platforms must be banned or he must be warned to make something useful out of it.