YouTuber Ducky Bhai arrested over online gambling promotion

LAHORE: Controversial YouTuber Ducky Bhai was arrested early Sunday at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

Officials said he was taken into custody on allegations of promoting illegal online gambling applications through his social media channels.

Read more: NHMP takes action against Ducky Bhai for driving without hands, eyes closed

The NCCIA said the YouTuber promoted several gambling apps, including Binomo, 1xBet, and B9 Game, which are not registered or authorised in Pakistan.

The apps allegedly defrauded users by not paying out returns on investments. Authorities accused Ducky Bhai of using his popular platform to promote these apps for personal financial gain.

The complaint referenced 27 video links featuring the promotions, several of which have since been removed.

As per Dawn, the investigation dates back to a June 13 inquiry, triggered by information received from ‘reliable sources’ about influencers encouraging public investment in illegal betting games. Members of the public reportedly suffered financial losses after investing in these platforms through the promotions.

The YouTuber was reportedly summoned by authorities but failed to appear. He was later added to the Provisional Naitonal Identification List as a result.

The 27-year-old’s arrest occurred when he was detected attempting to leave Pakistan via the airport’s immigration system.

Officials confiscated his phone, which reportedly revealed communications tied to gambling promotions and evidence of ‘suspicious transactions’.

The NCCIA stated that Ducky Bhai worked as a ‘country manager’ for one of the gambling platforms without government approval.

On Sunday, the NCCIA was granted a two-day physical remand to continue their investigation against Ducky Bhai. The agency is expected to present a report to the count on August 19.

This is not the first time the YouTuber has been embroiled in controversies. Earlier this year, he faced legal issues after posting a video showing reckless driving on motorway. He received protective bail from the Lahore High Court while awaiting trial.

Read more: Ducky Bhai, wife arrested, later released

Born Saad ur Rehman, Ducky Bhai began his YouTuber career in 2017, initially posting gamin content before shifting focus to family vlogs.

He gained a large following in Pakistan and overseas, including in India and United States. Rehman won the Best YouTuber of the Year award at the Pakistan International Screen Awards in 2020 and 2021