The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) will keep YouTuber Saadur Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai, in custody for two more days. A Lahore court magistrate extended his detention until September 3, amid investigations into illegal gambling app promotions.
Legal Charges and Detention
Ducky Bhai faces charges under Pakistani law, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and the Pakistan Penal Code. The charges are:
- Section 13 – Electronic Forgery
- Section 14 – Electronic Fraud
- Section 25 – Spamming
- Section 26 – Spoofing
- Section 294 B – Offering prize linked to trade
- Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing property delivery
He was arrested at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, suspected of using his YouTube channel to promote these apps.
Investigation and Allegations
The investigation began on June 13, triggered by credible sources. It revealed social media influencers were endorsing gambling and betting apps for profit.
The First Information Report (FIR) details public financial losses due to these apps, specifically accusing Ducky Bhai of promoting them on his platform.
Apps Under Scrutiny
The apps allegedly promoted include:
- 1xBet
- Bet 365
- B9 Game
- Binomo
Authorities suspect he might have acted as a country manager for one or more apps.
Forensic Evidence and Court Proceedings
Ducky Bhai’s initial four-day remand ended before Monday’s hearing in Magistrate Muhammad Naeem Wattoo’s court. An extension was sought based on forensic evidence.
Prosecutors presented confiscated electronic device data showing gambling app discussions. Evidence of international transactions supported the remand extension request.
Defense and Court Ruling
Advocate Chaudhry Usman Ali, defending Ducky Bhai, contested the remand extension, asserting that transaction data could be collected without his detention.
The defense argued there was no conclusive evidence linking Ducky Bhai to user losses on Binomo or other apps. However, the judge granted a two-day custody extension, directing NCCIA to complete the investigation while authorities analyze digital evidence and financial transactions.
