On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested prominent Pakistani YouTuber Saad-ur-Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Authorities detained him as he allegedly attempted to flee the country while listed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL), which restricts travel due to ongoing investigations. The arrest stems from accusations that Rehman promoted illegal online gambling apps, causing financial losses to the public and violating Pakistan’s cybercrime laws.

Charges Against “Ducky Bhai”

The NCCIA filed a case against Rehman under FIR No. 196/25, charging him under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, including Sections 13 (electronic forgery), 14 (electronic fraud), 25 (spamming), and 26 (spoofing). Additionally, authorities applied Sections 294-B (offering prizes in trade) and 420 (cheating and fraud) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIR alleges that Rehman used his YouTube channel, which boasts nearly nine million subscribers, to promote unlicensed gambling platforms such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game. Investigators identified 27 video links on his channel directing viewers to these apps, some of which he later deleted.

According to the NCCIA, Rehman’s promotions misled viewers with false promises of easy profits, leading to significant financial losses for many. Authorities seized his mobile phone, recovering promotional content, suspicious financial records, and WhatsApp chats with representatives of Binomo. The FIR further claims that Rehman acted as a self-styled “Country Manager” for Binomo without authorization from the State Bank of Pakistan or the Federal Board of Revenue, raising concerns about unregulated financial dealings.

On August 17, a Lahore court granted the NCCIA a two-day physical remand of Rehman, ordering his reappearance on August 19 with a progress report. Advocate Zain Ali Qureshi represented him in court, but Rehman has not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations. The NCCIA stated that the investigation continues, with potential for further evidence to emerge.