Saad Ur Rehman, better known to his online followers as “Ducky Bhai,” is facing a serious legal battle after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) brought a case against him. The charges stem from allegations of electronic fraud and forgery under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, as well as accusations of swindling individuals out of their money and promoting unauthorized lotteries, which are addressed under the Pakistan Penal Code.
Rehman has been held in custody by the NCCIA since his arrest, initially detained until September 3, with an extension until September 5. This period was crucial for the agency to wrap up its investigation. However, Rehman’s legal team responded quickly by filing a bail plea, arguing that the apps he allegedly promoted are not officially illegal in Pakistan and that no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate the allegations. They emphasized that he has no prior convictions and that the charges against him are bailable. Importantly, his lawyers pointed out the absence of any known victims who suffered financial losses directly attributable to Rehman.
The court has subsequently informed the NCCIA of a hearing scheduled for September 12, during which these issues will be addressed.
Rehman is accused of leveraging his online influence to promote various gambling and betting applications. These include Binomo, 1xBet, bet365, and B9 Game, among others. Although these platforms are not illegal per se, they lack official licenses to operate within Pakistan. His accusers claim that by using his YouTube channel, where 27 promotional links were reportedly shared, he misled his audience. These links are no longer active.
The controversy centers on allegations that these apps promised lucrative returns but failed to deliver, leaving users defrauded. Authorities assert that this failure to provide promised returns constitutes fraud, a serious accusation that has brought Rehman under intense scrutiny.
Rehman’s arrest at Allama Iqbal International Airport, where he was allegedly attempting to leave the country, uncovered more than just his involvement with these applications. Investigators found that he was working as a country manager for one app, Binomo, without the necessary approvals from key regulatory bodies like the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) or the State Bank of Pakistan.
An analysis of Rehman’s phone, seized during his arrest, revealed chats related to Binomo promotional activities and what authorities describe as suspicious transactions. Additionally, videos on the device were flagged as potentially misleading, further complicating his legal quandary.
The repercussions of this case extend beyond Rehman himself. Following his arrest, other social media influencers have been summoned and are now under investigation. Depending on the outcome of Rehman’s case, these individuals could also face serious legal consequences if a precedent is set against promoting unlicensed gambling services.
While Rehman’s defense emphasizes the non-illegal status of the apps in question, the prosecution highlights the broader ethical issue of influencers promoting services that exploit their audiences. A source close to the case reflects on the delicate balance, noting that while the apps may operate in a legal gray area, the moral implications of their promotion remain. Influencers have a responsibility to ensure the legitimacy of the brands they endorse, particularly in sectors like gambling, notorious for their potential to harm financially vulnerable individuals.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Rehman’s case has also raised debates about the regulation of online content and the responsibilities of digital creators in Pakistan. Some argue that the government must develop clearer guidelines and more robust regulatory frameworks to prevent similar incidents in the future. Others, however, caution against over-regulation, which could stifle the creativity and financial opportunities available to digital creators.
On the flip side, some industry insiders believe that this case could be a catalyst for positive change. By highlighting the risks associated with unregulated gambling promotions, it could pave the way for better consumer protection and more ethical advertising practices within the digital space.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the legal system will handle the intersection of digital influence, gambling promotion, and consumer protection. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Rehman but also for the broader community of content creators and their audiences in Pakistan.
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