The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has intensified its crackdown on online fraud and illegal gambling promotions in Pakistan. Several well-known social media influencers have been accused of promoting unregistered gambling and trading applications, drawing strong criticism from authorities.
Influencers Summoned by NCCIA
According to official sources, Rajab Butt, Anas Ali, Iqra Kanwal, Hasnain Shah, and Irum Mehmood have been issued notices by the NCCIA. They were directed to appear before the agency’s office in Gulberg 2, Lahore, on September 15 at 11 a.m. to record their statements.
Officials revealed that these influencers were previously summoned twice but failed to comply. The NCCIA has warned that ignoring the latest notice will be treated as an admission of having no defense, leaving them open to strict legal action.
Allegations of Promoting Illegal Apps
Investigators allege that the influencers used their large online following to promote gambling and online trading applications. These apps, which are not registered or licensed in Pakistan, misled young audiences into investing money, resulting in significant financial losses.
The NCCIA emphasized that such apps violate both cybercrime laws and financial regulations in the country. Officials highlighted that these promotions falsely portrayed the apps as legitimate investment opportunities, while in reality, they operated as fraudulent betting platforms.
Previous Crackdown on Influencers
The latest action comes after the arrest of popular YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, known as “Ducky Bhai,” on August 17 at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. He faced similar allegations of promoting gambling apps and encouraging followers to engage in unsafe financial activities.
The NCCIA has reiterated its commitment to take strict measures against influencers who misuse their platforms for scams. Authorities warned that promoting “easy money” schemes will no longer be tolerated.
Possible Consequences
If the accused influencers fail to appear before the NCCIA, they could face arrests, fines, and restrictions on their digital content. The agency has also urged the public to report suspicious advertisements and avoid engaging with unregistered applications.
Conclusion
This case underscores the growing accountability of digital influencers in Pakistan. With millions of followers, content creators hold significant influence, but promoting illegal gambling or trading apps carries serious legal risks. As the NCCIA continues its investigations, the message is clear: online popularity must be exercised responsibly, and misleading the public for profit will not go unpunished.
