LAHORE, Pakistan: Popular YouTuber Saad-ur-Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, has been sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand in connection with allegations of promoting illegal online gambling applications. The development came after a Lahore court rejected the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) plea to further extend his physical remand.
The case against Ducky Bhai has stirred nationwide attention, as investigators accuse him of acting as a “country manager” for unlicensed betting platforms such as Binomo and 1xBet. Authorities claim he leveraged his massive digital reach to encourage users to engage with these platforms, which allegedly caused significant financial harm to unsuspecting individuals.
Earlier, his physical remand had been extended multiple times—spanning from August 28 into September—while investigators probed his devices, communication records, and alleged financial links. However, the court has now shifted the case to judicial custody, a move that signals a fresh phase in the legal battle.
The controversy has sparked wider debates on the responsibility of influencers in Pakistan, raising questions about how far content creators can go in endorsing digital platforms without facing accountability. Legal experts suggest the outcome of this case could set an important precedent for regulating online promotions, especially when linked to financial risk.
Public opinion remains sharply divided. While many supporters of the YouTuber argue that the charges are exaggerated, critics insist the matter exposes the dangers of unchecked social media influence and its impact on vulnerable audiences.
The coming weeks will be crucial as judicial proceedings continue and authorities push to establish whether the allegations against Ducky Bhai hold up in court.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.