Ducky Bhai Arrested at Lahore Airport Over Gambling Case

Key Points

• YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai, arrested at Lahore airport by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
• Court grants two-day physical remand, next hearing scheduled for August 19.
• FIR registered under PECA 2016 and Pakistan Penal Code, citing promotion of gambling apps like Binomo and 1xBet.
• Authorities seized his mobile phone, allegedly containing evidence of illegal payments and promotions.
• Ducky Bhai, with over 8 million subscribers, has faced multiple controversies, including reckless driving cases.

Popular Pakistani YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, better known by his online moniker Ducky Bhai, was arrested on Sunday at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore while attempting to leave the country. Authorities claim he was involved in promoting illegal online gambling platforms, prompting fresh debate about the accountability of social media influencers.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) confirmed that Rehman was taken into custody after his name was flagged on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL). He was produced before a local court the same day, where a two-day physical remand was approved. The court instructed the NCCIA to submit a detailed investigation report during the next hearing on August 19.

Cyber Crime Agency registers FIR against YouTuber Ducky Bhai

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the case against Rehman was registered at midnight on August 17 under sections 13, 14, 25, and 26 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, as well as sections 294-B and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Investigators allege that Rehman promoted gambling apps such as Binomo, 1xBet, and B9 Game through his YouTube channel and other platforms. The FIR cites 27 video links linked to these promotions, several of which have since been removed. Authorities claim that thousands of viewers invested money in the apps but later suffered losses when the platforms failed to pay promised returns.

Officials further alleged that Rehman operated as an unauthorized “country manager” for Binomo, despite lacking approval from Pakistani regulatory bodies such as the FBR and the State Bank of Pakistan.

Evidence Recovered

During his arrest, the NCCIA confiscated Rehman’s mobile phone. According to sources, investigators found chats with representatives of gambling platforms, suspicious transactions, and evidence of misleading promotional content. Officials say an inquiry into his financial assets has already been launched to trace possible money laundering activities.

A History of Controversy

This is not the first time the YouTuber has faced legal trouble. Earlier this year, the Motorway Police registered cases against him for overspeeding and performing stunts on highways, incidents that drew widespread criticism online. In 2024, he was also detained in Lahore’s Model Town with his wife, Aroob Jatoi, after displaying firearms on social media.

Despite the controversies, Ducky Bhai remains one of Pakistan’s most influential digital creators, boasting over 8 million subscribers and more than 700 videos uploaded to his channel. His popularity earned him Best YouTuber of the Year awards at the Pakistan International Screen Awards in both 2020 and 2021.

Good to know: Ducky Bhai previously won the Best YouTuber of the Year award at the Pakistan International Screen Awards in 2020 and 2021

Ducky Bhai Legal Proceedings and Charges

The NCCIA has filed FIR No. 196/25, invoking:

• Sections 13, 14, 25, and 26 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA 2016, amended 2025)
• Sections 294-B and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code (covering cybercrimes, cheating, and obscene acts)

On August 17, Rehman appeared before a Judicial Magistrate at Lahore District Courts. The NCCIA sought custody to further investigate his financial and digital records. The court granted a two-day physical remand, directing that he be presented again on August 19 with updates on the investigation.

Broader Concerns

The arrest has reignited concerns about unregulated online promotions and the role of influencers in encouraging risky investments. With millions of young followers, content creators like Rehman wield immense influence, raising questions about responsibility, transparency, and regulation in Pakistan’s digital space.

For now, the NCCIA investigation continues, and more charges could follow based on the evidence recovered.

Suspicious WhatsApp Numbers and Unlawful Payments

Officials revealed that investigators recovered a modern mobile phone from Saad ur Rehman, which reportedly contained suspicious WhatsApp numbers, sensitive data, and digital records of unlawful payments. Authorities claim the device also held promotional material directly linked to Binomo and other gambling platforms, strengthening the case against him.

The agency further alleged that Ducky Bhai misled the public through his social media platforms, exploiting his massive following to promote unlicensed betting apps under the guise of easy earnings. According to NCCIA, his actions not only violated national cybercrime laws but also put thousands of unsuspecting viewers at financial risk.

At the time of his arrest, officials state that Rehman was attempting to leave the country, raising suspicions that he was trying to evade the ongoing investigation. His detention at Lahore Airport underscores the seriousness with which authorities are pursuing the case.
Source:Samatv

Fans’ Reaction → Shock, disbelief, and disappointment. Some defending him saying it’s a conspiracy, others heartbroken seeing their favorite creator in this situation.

Critics’ Reaction → Many saying it was bound to happen because influencers must act responsibly. Some pointing out past controversies.

Fellow YouTubers/Influencers → Mixed reactions, some silent, some supporting him, while others distancing themselves to protect their own image.