YouTuber Saadur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, has been granted bail by the Lahore High Court in a high-profile case. The case relates to the alleged promotion of illegal gambling applications on his social media platforms.
Bail Approved After Months in Custody
Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhary approved bail for Rehman on Monday, requiring a surety of Rs1 million. The YouTuber has been in custody since his arrest on August 17 at Lahore airport. His arrest was conducted by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore branch.
Background of the Case
The case originated from an inquiry dated June 13, based on information received from reliable sources that suggested several social media influencers were promoting gambling applications for financial gain.
The FIR registered against Rehman includes charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016—sections 13 (Electronic Forgery), 14 (Electronic Fraud), 25 (Spamming), and 26 (Spoofing)—alongside sections 294 B (Offering prize in connection with trade) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Allegations Against the YouTuber
Rehman was accused of promoting multiple gambling and betting platforms, including Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game, through his YouTube channel. The FIR listed 27 video links allegedly showing him endorsing these applications, though several of the videos are no longer accessible.
Authorities claimed that these promotions led the public to invest their hard-earned money, resulting in financial losses. The YouTuber was allegedly using his influence for personal monetary benefits.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Applications
Prior to the high court’s decision, Rehman had applied for bail in district and sessions courts, as well as before a judicial magistrate, but his applications were rejected. He then approached the Lahore High Court, which issued notices to the NCCIA to present arguments regarding his application.
Rehman maintained that he had not received any prior notice from the agency before his arrest, emphasizing procedural concerns.
Controversy Surrounding NCCIA Officials
Adding to the case’s complexity, earlier this month, nine NCCIA officers were booked for allegedly misusing authority. They were accused of extorting money from Rehman and taking bribes during the investigation, raising questions about the agency’s conduct.
Public and Legal Implications
This case has highlighted the scrutiny of social media influencers promoting gambling applications in Pakistan. The high court’s decision to grant bail underscores the importance of due process while addressing allegations of financial exploitation through digital platforms.
As Rehman awaits further proceedings, the case continues to draw public attention, emphasizing accountability for influencers and the regulatory role of cybercrime authorities in Pakistan.
