Ducky Bhai Arrested, Iqra Kanwal Summoned: NCCIA Targets Influencers in Gambling App Crackdown

LAHORE (Republickpk.com) — In a major escalation of Pakistan’s cybercrime enforcement, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has initiated a money laundering inquiry targeting digital platforms linked to illegal gambling and investment schemes. The investigation has drawn in several prominent influencers, including YouTuber Saad-ur-Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai, who was recently arrested and remanded for questioning.

According to a report by Urdu News, the NCCIA has also issued formal summons to Iqra Kanwal, Muhammad Anas Ali, Muhammad Hasnain Shah, and Mudassir Hassan. These individuals are accused of promoting unregistered apps that allegedly facilitated illegal investments and online gambling, particularly targeting young users.

The agency has directed all named individuals to appear at its Lahore office on September 2 to record their statements. The official notice warns that failure to appear will be treated as forfeiture of the right to respond.

This crackdown follows a Finance Ministry gazette notification issued on August 26, which expanded NCCIA’s authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2010. The amendment allows the agency to investigate and prosecute digital financial crimes, including online fraud, illegal investment solicitation, and misinformation campaigns.

Ducky Bhai was reportedly taken into custody earlier this week and presented before a court, where he was handed over to NCCIA on physical remand. Officials have described the operation as one of the largest cyber-financial investigations in Pakistan’s history.

“We’ve expanded our scope to include gambling, forex, and investment apps,” the NCCIA stated. “Those exploiting digital platforms to mislead and rob the youth will be held accountable.”

At this stage, all claims remain allegations. No formal charges have been proven in court, and the investigation is ongoing.