Laiba Zainab
Correspondent
Laiba Zainab is an award-winning journalist with nearly a decade of experience in digital media. She has received the DW & CEJ-IBA Data Journalism Award and the top digital media prize at the National Media Fellowship. At NUKTA, she covers underreported stories on health, crime, and social justice.
With financial trails widening, assets frozen and notices served to more influencers, the NCCIA insists the crackdown is far from over.
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The Pakistani government’s crackdown on influencers linked to illegal online gambling platforms is deepening, as the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) expands its probe into what officials have branded a “digital devil gang” of scammers.
The investigation has already ensnared some of the country’s most prominent social media personalities, raising questions about the responsibility of digital influencers in Pakistan’s fragile online economy.
Sixteen days in custody
Saadur Rehman - better known as Ducky Bhai, one of Pakistan’s top YouTubers - has now spent 16 days in NCCIA custody. He is due to appear in court on September 3, where investigators are expected to seek an extension of his remand.
“We have a responsibility to protect the public from orchestrated scams. More remand is necessary as the investigation is far from over,” said Sarfaraz Chaudhary, NCCIA Additional Director Lahore.
Notices to more influencers
The net is widening. NCCIA has issued notices to several other prominent influencers, including Muhammad Husnain Shah, Iqra Kanwal of Sistrology, Muhammad Anas Ali and Mudassar Hassan. They face allegations of:
- Encouraging youth to invest in online gambling apps
- Promoting unlicensed online trading platforms
- Running coordinated schemes to defraud the public of their savings
“These influencers were called today, but they did not show up. Another notice will be issued on September 3,” Chaudhary told Nukta. “If they fail to appear after the third notice, they will be declared ex parte and FIRs will be registered.”
Money trail and assets seized
In Ducky Bhai’s case, investigators claim to have uncovered major financial irregularities.
“We have recovered 325,000 USDT from his digital wallet. He was charging people 10-15,000 USDT to promote gambling apps,” Chaudhary revealed.
Crime crackdown or PR stunt? nukta.com
The recovered funds have been submitted to the court, and a money laundering case has been filed under newly expanded NCCIA powers. Authorities have also sought financial records from tax, revenue, and banking agencies.
One bank account belonging to Ducky, holding PKR150 million, has already been frozen. His overseas holdings are also under scrutiny.
“We have identified one account in Dubai with 5-600,000 AED, and it will be brought back to Pakistan as per international laws,” Chaudhary said.
Accounts belonging to his wife, influencer Arooba Jatoi, and his brothers have also been seized. Arooba - who has obtained pre-arrest bail - has appeared before investigators twice.
“Digital Devil Gang” and TikTok laundering
Chaudhary described the influencer network as a “digital devil gang”, warning that further arrests are imminent.
He also flagged the misuse of TikTok’s live gifting feature as a money-laundering loophole:
“The host gets 25 to 30 percent of the payments, while the rest is returned to the gifter, sometimes in millions. This cycle is under scrutiny and will be dealt with iron hands.”
TikTok’s live gifting feature allows viewers to buy virtual gifts for creators during live streams, with creators receiving a portion of the payment.
TikTok stars Nadeem Naniwala and Jannat Mirza are among those reportedly under investigation.
Inside Ducky Bhai’s jail cell
In an exclusive conversation with Nukta, Ducky Bhai shared glimpses of his life in detention.
“I am eating well, I’m focusing on my prayers and I try to keep minimal interaction with fellow inmates,” he said.
He is held in a cell with 25-30 others, dressed in a black shalwar kameez and brown-and-white joggers when seen by Nukta. Observers noted his eyes appeared swollen with fatigue.
Ducky has formally requested to meet his wife and mother. “It is his legal right,” Chaudhary acknowledged, instructing staff to allow the visits.
What lies ahead
With financial trails widening, assets frozen and notices served to more influencers, the NCCIA insists the crackdown is far from over.
“We will not stop. Every big name will come under scrutiny,” Chaudhary declared.
The unfolding case has ignited debate over the growing risks of online gambling promotions, the blurred responsibilities of influencers, and Pakistan’s capacity to regulate its rapidly evolving digital economy.
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