After summoning popular YouTuber Ducky Bhai (Saadur Rehman) for questioning, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has now called in several other well-known influencers over allegations of promoting fraudulent online trading and gambling apps.
The investigation has stirred the digital community, with authorities intensifying their focus on influencer-driven promotions.
As millions of people turn to YouTubers and TikTok personalities for entertainment, lifestyle tips, and even financial advice, the controversy highlights the pressing need for stricter rules on influencer marketing and ethical advertising.
According to reports, those summoned include Sistrology’s Iqra Kanwal, Muhammad Anas Ali, Muhammad Hasnain Shah, Mudasar Hasan, and Nadeem Mubarak, popularly known as Nadeem Nani Wala.
These influencers have been directed to appear before the NCCIA office on September 2.
The probe centers on accusations that they endorsed unregulated trading platforms and gambling apps, persuading fans many of them young with promises of easy money.
Instead, countless users reportedly lost their savings.
Investigators claim that by leveraging their fame and credibility, these content creators played a direct role in misleading the public.
Since much of their audience comprises impressionable youth, authorities argue the endorsements carried disproportionate influence, amplifying the scale of losses.
A senior NCCIA official, speaking on background, hinted that the probe could expand further: “This is not just about irresponsible advertising; it is about complicity in financial scams.
We will examine whether the influencers knowingly promoted fraudulent apps or failed to perform due diligence.”
The alleged violations fall under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which prohibits online fraud, gambling promotions, and unlicensed financial schemes.
The list of those brought into the cybercrime probe body’s radar includes the country’s most recognizable names from YouTube and other social media platforms.
While most have remained silent publicly, some have indirectly hinted that they, too, may have been misled by third-party agencies offering promotional deals.
Over the past few years, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in get-rich-quick apps, often disguised as trading platforms or gaming investments.
To gain traction, their operators often approached influencers with lucrative sponsorship offers.
The creators would then release promotional videos assuring fans of easy profits.
However, when the apps collapsed or froze withdrawals, thousands of small investors were left empty-handed.
Digital rights activists argue the trend underscores a lack of advertising regulations and financial literacy.
“Influencers are not just entertainers anymore; they are opinion leaders. That power comes with responsibility,” one activist noted.
Legal experts believe that if intent to defraud can be proven, the influencers could face hefty fines, content bans, or even imprisonment.
However, if they successfully argue that they, too, were deceived by fraudulent companies, responsibility may shift to the app developers.
