The prominent YouTuber, whose real name is Saad Ur Rehman, more widely known by his online persona “Ducky Bhai,” has had a case brought up against him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
A False Idol Falls
Multiple charges have been brought against him. Some of the crimes he is being accused of include electronic fraud and forgery, which fall under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, as well as cheating people out of their money and trade promotion lotteries, which themselves fall under the Pakistan Penal Code.
Rehman was kept in jail under the NCIAA’s custody until September 3 following a judicial remand. The detention was later extended to September 5. The agency had to finish its investigation by then.
After the remand extension, Rehman’s lawyers filed a bail plea, where it is argued that none of the apps are officially illegal and that no evidence had been produced to prove the accusations.
The plea also states that he has no previous convictions and that the sections under which the case falls are bailable. There is no record of anyone financially hurt by Rehman.
Regarding the plea, the court has informed the NCIAA that there will be a hearing on September 12.
Robbing the Audience
Using his online presence, Rehman is being accused of promoting multiple gambling and betting apps, such as Binomo, 1xBet, bet365, B9 Game, and others. As stated, none of these are actually illegal in Pakistan under current laws, but they do not have a license either.
As many as 27 links have been used to promote these sites through the YouTube channel; they appear to no longer be functional.
The apps listed made millions but never gave the people any of their profits; doing so is considered fraud, Rehman’s accusers point out:
“Authorities have also alleged that the apps failed to provide promised returns and were fraudulent.”
Upon his arrest at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, while trying to flee the country, it was discovered that he collaborated with the apps but was also possibly involved with at least one of those as its country manager.
“It is also revealed that the accused is working as a country manager assigned by the Binomo management without taking any authorization from the government institution, either from FBR or the State Bank of Pakistan.”
On the phone which Rehman was carrying when he was seized, evidence was discovered chats about Binamo promotions, evidence showing what authorities claimed to be illegitimate payments from the app, as well as videos which are considered to be misleading.
There Are More
Following Rehman’s arrest, several other influencers have come into the spotlight and have received summons. Depending on the outcome of these proceedings, more influencers could find themselves in serious breaches of gambling law in Pakistan should Urman lose his own fight and set a precedent.