The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested popular YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai, at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. The arrest stems from allegations of money laundering through promoting illegal online gambling apps, including Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game, on his YouTube channel.
The NCCIA launched an inquiry on June 13, 2025, following reports that influencers, including Ducky Bhai, were encouraging public investment in unregistered betting platforms for personal gain. These promotions allegedly caused significant financial losses for ordinary Pakistanis facing economic challenges. The NCCIA claims Ducky Bhai served as the unauthorised “Country Manager” for Binomo, a platform not registered with the State Bank of Pakistan.
Investigators found that Binomo collected millions of rupees from users but defrauded them by denying payouts. During Ducky Bhai’s arrest, authorities seized an iPhone 16 Pro Max containing WhatsApp chats linked to Binomo promotions and evidence of illegal payments. The YouTuber reportedly failed to justify his promotional videos urging public investment in these apps.
Saadur Rehman, the popular YouTuber known as Ducky Bhai, was arrested at the Lahore airport. A case has been registered against him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for promoting online gambling and betting applications. https://t.co/p8q2Uwekna
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) August 17, 2025Authorities filed an FIR against Ducky Bhai, citing violations of sections 13, 14, 25, and 26 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 (amended 2025) and sections 294-13 and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code. After he allegedly refused to cooperate with the NCCIA, officials added his name to the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL), resulting in his interception at the airport.
On Monday, authorities presented Ducky Bhai before a duty magistrate and placed him on a two-day physical remand with the NCCIA. Investigators are now scrutinising his assets and have summoned his complete financial records. They also aim to identify other accomplices involved in the scheme.
The NCCIA emphasised that such fraudulent promotions exploit vulnerable citizens, exacerbating financial struggles. The case highlights the risks of unregulated online platforms and the role of influencers in promoting them, prompting calls for stricter oversight in Pakistan’s digital space.
