Arrest at Lahore Airport
In a shocking turn of events, Saadur Rehman, famously known as Ducky Bhai, was detained by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) at Lahore airport. This arrest has sparked widespread discussion about the ethics and responsibilities of influential digital creators.
The Charges
With over 8 million followers, Ducky Bhai leveraged his platform to allegedly promote online gambling. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, along with the Pakistan Penal Code, served as the foundation for the accusation of online fraud against him. His activities included endorsements of significant betting platforms such as Binomo and Bet 365.
Initial Court Proceedings
The judicial magistrate granted NCCIA a two-day remand to delve deeper into the promotional activities tied to these gambling platforms. His next appearance in court is set for August 19, with a comprehensive investigation report to follow.
The Ongoing Investigation
The NCCIA’s complaint, filed on August 17, detailed his dealings with gambling platforms. Rehman allegedly facilitated fake promises via his channel, resulting in monetary losses for numerous individuals. Evidence being combed through includes phone records detailing conversations and payments concerning these apps.
Unregistered Activities
Authorities pointed out that these platforms operate without Pakistani registration. Rehman’s involvement as a “country manager” for Binomo, sans permissions from significant governmental bodies, raises additional legal issues.
A Wider Issue
This incident underscores the escalating issue of unchecked digital content promotion. As stated in Pakistan Today, there is a pressing need to establish definitive boundaries and regulatory measures for digital influencers in Pakistan.
Past Recklessness
Interestingly, this isn’t Ducky Bhai’s first brush with the law. Previously caught performing hazardous stunts on motorways, this marks another chapter in his controversial public persona’s narrative.
As investigations continue, the impact of digital influencers and the need to regulate online content in Pakistan remain hot topics of discussion. The case’s outcome may set a precedent for future actions against similar activities within the digital sphere.