Pakistan steps up crackdown on illegal betting apps, charges 3 YouTubers

Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has intensified its crackdown on online gambling and illegal trading applications, registering cases against several high-profile YouTubers.

Officials confirmed that YouTubers Rajab Butt, Anas, and Huraira are facing charges for allegedly promoting gambling platforms and unlawful investment apps through their social media channels.

The investigation had been ongoing for several weeks.

Authorities said the YouTubers were issued three separate notices during the inquiry but failed to appear before investigators. As a result, the NCCIA formally registered cases and has begun steps to bring them back to Pakistan.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed against Rajab Butt, the agency accused certain social media influencers of exploiting their platforms to encourage the public to invest in gambling and betting apps for personal financial gain. The report said that many individuals, already struggling with economic hardship, invested money based on these promotions, only to suffer heavy losses when promised returns failed to materialize.

The FIR named Rajab Butt as one of the influencers who promoted unregistered gambling applications and even acted as a brand ambassador for a betting platform.

Investigators said he collected millions of rupees from unsuspecting investors but never delivered returns, depriving them of their hard-earned savings.

The agency further noted that the gambling applications promoted by these influencers were not registered with any authorized department in Pakistan.

Notices were repeatedly served to Butt and others under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code, but none appeared or provided satisfactory explanations. Based on the findings, the NCCIA concluded there was prima facie evidence of offenses under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Officials emphasized that the crackdown on digital scammers and promoters of unauthorized financial schemes will continue as part of broader efforts to safeguard the public and regulate online platforms.

The latest action follows the arrest last month of popular YouTuber Saad Ur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, who was detained at Lahore’s international airport on charges of promoting illegal betting platforms. The NCCIA said he was stopped while attempting to leave the country despite being on a government “Prohibited/National Interest List,” which bars individuals from foreign travel.

He remains in custody and the case is still ongoing.