The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has disclosed significant findings in the high-profile case of YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, who was recently arrested at Lahore Airport. Officials stated that the arrest followed allegations of money laundering linked to illegal online gambling applications, with investigators now treating the case as a major instance of digital financial crime. According to initial reports, Ducky Bhai played a central role in promoting these platforms and was identified as the “country manager” for one of the leading apps under scrutiny.
NCCIA revealed that an inquiry into his activities began on June 13, 2025, after credible intelligence suggested that several social media influencers were encouraging citizens to invest in betting applications. These promotions allegedly targeted financially vulnerable individuals, pushing them towards gambling platforms that ultimately defrauded them of millions of rupees. One of the key applications named in the case is Binomo, which authorities confirmed is not registered in Pakistan. Investigators added that users of these apps not only lost significant amounts of money but also had no legal recourse due to the absence of regulatory oversight.
Officials further stated that despite being summoned during the inquiry, Ducky Bhai declined to cooperate. His non-compliance led to his name being placed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL), preventing him from leaving the country. He was intercepted at Allama Iqbal International Airport while attempting to travel abroad, where authorities recovered an iPhone 16 Pro Max from his possession. The device reportedly contained WhatsApp conversations with individuals linked to gambling app promotions, as well as payment records connected to the alleged illegal financial transactions. NCCIA highlighted that the evidence directly tied him to promotional videos urging citizens to invest in gambling apps despite regulatory restrictions.
The agency also revealed that Ducky Bhai had been appointed “country manager” for Binomo without any authorization from Pakistani institutions such as the State Bank of Pakistan, raising concerns about the unchecked influence of social media figures in promoting unregulated platforms. The FIR against him cited prima facie evidence of multiple offences under sections 13, 14, 25, and 26 of PECA 2016 (amended 2025), as well as sections 294-13 and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code. He was produced before a duty magistrate after his arrest and remanded into NCCIA custody for two days of physical investigation. Authorities are now reviewing his assets and have summoned complete financial records to determine the scale of the alleged money laundering. The investigation is also expected to identify additional individuals who may have collaborated with him in promoting or operating illegal gambling applications.
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