Ducky Bhai Granted Bail in Gambling App Promotion Investigation
Saad-ur-Rehman Released on Bail by Lahore High Court
The Lahore High Court has granted bail to Saad-ur-Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, marking a pivotal development in the case that has kept him detained since mid-August. The court’s decision was made on a Monday when it accepted his bail plea and required him to provide surety bonds totaling Rs 1 million (approximately $11,174).
Background of the Gambling App Promotion Case
The bail ruling was delivered by Justice Shahram Sarwar Chaudhry. Saad-ur-Rehman appeared before the court with his lawyers, including Imran Chadhar and Shaharyar Goraiah. His arrest occurred on August 17, 2025, at Lahore Airport, where officials from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) took him into custody over allegations of promoting gambling applications on his YouTube channel.
The investigation originated earlier in the summer, with inquiries beginning on June 13 against multiple YouTubers and social media influencers suspected of advertising betting and gambling apps for payment. The First Information Report (FIR) outlined that many individuals lost money through these platforms, and Saad-ur-Rehman was purportedly involved in promoting several such apps. The FIR also accused him of acting as a “Country Manager” for one of the apps and referenced 27 video links from his channel that allegedly advertised these services, though many of the videos have since been taken down.
After unsuccessful bail applications in the District and Sessions Courts, Saad-ur-Rehman approached the Lahore High Court, which earlier issued notices demanding the NCCIA to present its case arguments. He also informed the court that he did not receive any prior notice from the agency before his arrest.
Bribery Allegations Against NCCIA Officials
Complicating the situation, in late October, nine officials from the NCCIA faced accusations of misusing their power and allegedly accepting bribes from Saad-ur-Rehman. These claims have further complicated the investigation and stirred concerns regarding the conduct of the inquiry.
Current Status and Legal Charges
With the court’s ruling, Ducky Bhai is now released from custody while the case continues. He still faces charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and related provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. Pakistani authorities had earlier blocked various betting and unregulated trading apps as part of an extended remand period to investigate electronic fraud and unauthorized promotions.
