Arrest and Release
Saad ur Rehman, better known as Ducky Bhai, is among Pakistan’s most followed YouTubers. A few months ago, he was arrested at Lahore airport on allegations of promoting gambling apps. He was released on bail at the end of November, but the case continued to spark speculation and controversy across social media.
Viral Comeback and Earnings Speculation
Soon after his release, Ducky Bhai returned to YouTube with daily vlogs. His first video after jail went viral, crossing more than 15 million views in just days. Fans and commentators quickly claimed that the single vlog had generated millions of rupees in ad revenue, suggesting he had instantly recovered his financial losses.
Social media buzz painted the comeback as a financial triumph, with estimates circulating about YouTube’s payout per million views. Many assumed that with such massive traffic, Ducky Bhai had cashed in heavily.
Ducky Bhai’s Revelation
In his latest vlog, however, Ducky Bhai dismissed these claims. He revealed that he does not currently have full control of his channel and has only editor‑level access, meaning he cannot upload or delete videos himself. More importantly, his Google AdSense account is blocked, leaving him unable to view or withdraw revenue.
He clarified that despite the viral success, he has earned no income from recent uploads. “People think I made crores from that one vlog, but the truth is I haven’t received a single rupee,” he said, stressing that the channel is effectively no longer under his ownership.
Legal and Institutional Context
A Lahore court has asked Ducky Bhai to submit an affidavit detailing his access and earnings, while the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) confirmed that his digital assets remain seized pending inquiry. He also alleged that during custody, NCCIA officers took control of his phone and Binance account, raising concerns about state overreach in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Personal Struggles
Outside YouTube, Ducky Bhai said his restaurant business is being managed by his partner Areeb. He expressed frustration over what he called “injustice,” noting that his livelihood has been disrupted even as he tries to rebuild his career.
The saga underscores the fragility of Pakistan’s creator economy, where influencers depend on platform access and monetization systems. It also highlights the growing role of cybercrime authorities in regulating digital content, sometimes clashing with creators’ rights.
Observers believe Ducky Bhai’s case could set a precedent for how Pakistan handles digital asset custody, influencer accountability, and monetization disputes in the future.