Ducky Bhai Arrest: Remand Extended in Gambling App Case

Lahore, Pakistan – In a case that is being closely watched by the digital content industry and legal experts alike, popular YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, remains in judicial custody amid a deepening legal battle over his alleged promotion of online gambling applications.

The influencer, who commands an audience of millions, was arrested in late May 2024 by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle in Lahore. His arrest marks a significant escalation in authorities’ crackdown on the promotion of illicit online activities on social media.

The Charges: A Mix of Cyber and Criminal Law

The FIA has lodged a formal case against Ducky Bhai under several stringent laws, reflecting the gravity of the accusations:

Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016: The primary charge falls under Section 20 of PECA, which pertains to “offences against the dignity of a natural person.” In this context, the FIA argues that his content was deceptive and financially harmful to his viewers, many of whom are young and impressionable.
Pakistan Penal Code (PPC): The charges also include Sections 419 (cheating by personation) and 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property). These sections imply the prosecution’s claim that his promotions misled viewers into parting with their money under false pretenses.

The core of the FIA’s case is that Ducky Bhai used his substantial influence to promote foreign-based online gambling apps, which are illegal in Pakistan. The agency alleges that he did not merely advertise but actively participated in the games, showing winnings without any disclaimer about the associated risks or the illegality of such platforms, thereby enticing his audience to participate.

A Protracted Custody: Repeated Remand Extensions

Since his arrest, Ducky Bhai’s journey through the legal system has been characterized by repeated extensions of his physical and judicial remand.

Initial Physical Remand: After his arrest, he was initially placed on physical remand, allowing the FIA to question him extensively and gather further evidence.
Multiple Extensions: The physical remand was extended multiple times by judicial magistrates upon the FIA’s requests, which argued that more time was needed for a thorough investigation, including forensic analysis of his devices and financial records.
Shift to Judicial Remand: After the period of physical remand concluded, he was transferred to judicial custody. His subsequent applications for post-arrest bail have been rejected at least twice by the sessions court. The court has cited the serious nature of the charges and the ongoing investigation as reasons for denying bail, leaving him in jail for over a month.

What’s at Stake for Ducky Bhai?

The stakes for the 25-year-old content creator are exceptionally high. If convicted, he faces the potential of a lengthy prison sentence and substantial fines. Beyond the legal penalties, his career and reputation, built over years, hang in the balance. The case has already caused significant damage to his public image and has led to a heated debate about the responsibility of influencers.

Public and Community Reaction

The public reaction has been sharply divided:

Supporters of the Action: Many applaud the FIA’s move, viewing it as a necessary step to hold influential figures accountable. They argue that such promotions exploit vulnerable audiences, leading to financial ruin and addiction, and that a strong message needs to be sent.
Critics and Followers: On the other hand, his supporters and some free speech advocates criticize the response as disproportionate. They question the specific charges, arguing that while the promotions may have been irresponsible, they may not meet the high threshold for charges like “cheating.” Concerns have also been raised about the extended remands and denial of bail.

Broader Implications: A Warning for Influencers and Regulators

The Ducky Bhai case is far more than an individual legal battle; it is a landmark moment with wide-ranging implications:

For Influencers: It serves as a stark warning to all social media influencers in Pakistan. The case establishes a clear precedent that promoting illegal activities, including gambling, can lead to severe legal consequences, not just community guidelines violations from platforms.
For Regulators: It demonstrates the FIA’s increasing willingness to use its powers under PECA to police content that has tangible real-world harm. It signals a more aggressive regulatory stance towards the influencer marketing industry, which has largely operated in a grey area.
For the Law: The outcome of this case could shape how Pakistani courts interpret the application of PECA and criminal law to influencer content, potentially defining the legal line between irresponsible promotion and criminal activity.

As the investigation continues, all eyes are on the next court hearings, where his legal team is expected to continue its fight for bail. The case of Ducky Bhai is poised to become a defining chapter in the history of Pakistan’s digital landscape.