Relief After Three Month Detention
The Lahore High Court on Monday granted bail to popular YouTuber Saadur Rehman, also known as Ducky Bhai. He was facing a high-profile case involving the alleged promotion of illegal gambling applications. Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhary approved the bail against a surety bond of Rs1 million. The decision brings relief to the creator, who has been in detention since his arrest at Lahore airport on August 17, 2025.
Rehman was arrested by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency while attempting to travel abroad for an event. His legal team argued that authorities never issued him a formal notice or summons, which makes his arrest procedurally questionable. The YouTuber has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming he was unaware of the fraudulent nature of the applications he promoted.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Investigators booked Ducky Bhai under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016—13 (Electronic Forgery), 14 (Electronic Fraud), 25 (Spamming), and 26 (Spoofing)—as well as PPC Sections 294-B and 420 related to trade prizes and cheating.
Authorities allege that Rehman promoted gambling and betting apps such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game on his YouTube channel, which caused significant financial losses to the public.
The FIR included 27 video links from his channel, although several have since been removed. Investigators traced Rs160 million in one account and Rs50 million in another belonging to the accused, raising serious questions about the scale of the alleged operation.
Multiple Bail Rejections Before LHC Relief
Ducky Bhai’s journey to secure bail was marked by multiple rejections. On September 23, a judicial magistrate dismissed his bail request, followed by another rejection from an additional sessions judge on October 2. The consistent denials at lower court levels prompted his legal team to approach the Lahore High Court with a fresh petition filed on October 30.
The case also saw judicial complications when Justice Farooq Haider initially scheduled to hear the petition recused himself on November 11, citing his inability to proceed. The case was then referred to the Chief Justice for reassignment, leading to the formation of a new bench under Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhary, who ultimately granted the bail to the controversial YouTuber on November 24, 2025.
Wife Aroob Jatoi Secures Interim Bail
While Ducky Bhai remained in custody, his wife Aroob Jatoi managed to secure interim bail in the same case. The sessions court extended her bail multiple times, most recently until November 6, while directing the investigating officer to submit comprehensive reports. Jatoi, along with her husband, has denied involvement in illegal promotions, claiming they were unaware of the apps’ fraudulent activities.
Corruption Scandal Within NCCIA
The case took an unexpected turn in late October when the Federal Investigation Agency arrested nine NCCIA officers. They were accused of misusing their authority, extorting money from Rehman, and accepting bribes. Investigators say the officers demanded Rs9 million to shield Ducky Bhai and his wife from legal action, with some payments reportedly made through cheques.
The scandal raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation. It also added another layer of complexity to the already high-profile case. The FIA’s move against its own cybercrime officials shocked Pakistan’s law enforcement community. It also strengthened the defense’s claim that the case was procedurally flawed and driven by corruption rather than genuine law enforcement needs.
Public Impact and Financial Losses
According to the prosecution, many people invested their savings in online gambling and betting apps promoted by influencers like Ducky Bhai, causing major financial losses. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan confirmed that these apps were not registered, making their promotion illegal and potentially fraudulent.
The case has become emblematic of broader concerns about influencer accountability in Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital economy. With millions of young Pakistanis following content creators for lifestyle advice and financial guidance, the scandal underscores the urgent need for clear regulatory guidelines on influencer marketing and advertising ethics.
Remaining in Official Custody Despite Bail
Although the Lahore High Court granted bail on Monday, Ducky Bhai remains in official custody pending completion of formal release procedures. The Rs1 million surety bond must be processed, and administrative formalities completed before he can walk free. Legal experts suggest the release could take several days depending on how quickly the paperwork is finalized.
The YouTuber’s supporters have expressed relief at the bail decision, viewing it as vindication of his claims that he was falsely implicated without proper legal procedures. However, critics argue that the substantial amounts of money traced to his accounts suggest deeper involvement than he has acknowledged.
Broader Implications for Digital Influencers
This case has triggered a broader crackdown on social media influencers accused of promoting illegal gambling and betting platforms. Reports suggest that NCCIA has summoned several other YouTubers for questioning as part of an expanded investigation into the promotion of unregistered financial applications.
The development has sent ripples through Pakistan’s digital content creation community. Many influencers are now scrutinizing their sponsorship deals more carefully to avoid similar legal issues. Industry observers note that unclear regulations around influencer marketing create a gray area. Content creators may unknowingly promote illegal services, assuming they are working with legitimate brands.
What Lies Ahead
While the bail represents a significant legal victory for Ducky Bhai, it does not resolve the underlying criminal case against him. The trial will continue, and he must appear for all court proceedings as required. The prosecution retains the option to challenge the bail order in the Supreme Court if they believe Justice Chaudhary’s decision was legally flawed.
Moreover, the ongoing FIA investigation into corruption within NCCIA could affect how the case proceeds. If investigators find that someone tampered with the evidence or built the case on improperly obtained information, the defense could gain a stronger position. Conversely, any new evidence uncovered during continued investigations could complicate Rehman’s legal situation further.
The case has become a test of Pakistan’s ability to regulate its rapidly evolving digital economy while protecting both consumers and content creators’ rights. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome will likely set important precedents for future cases and clarify the responsibilities influencers hold when promoting products and services to their followers.