The Lahore District Court in Pakistan dismissed the bail application of well-known YouTuber Saad-ur-Rehman (internet alias Ducky Bhai), who is involved in promoting illegal gambling and foreign exchange applications. District and Circuit Court Additional Judge Sajida Chaudhry announced the decision on Thursday after hearing statements from both the prosecution and defense, supporting the prosecution's stance to deny bail. The prosecution accused Rehman of encouraging the public to participate in platforms not registered with the Pakistan Securities and Exchange Commission, and traced significant financial transactions related to his accounts. This is the second time since September 23 that the YouTuber's bail application has been rejected, and the National Cyber Crime Agency has charged him under multiple provisions of the Electronic Crimes Act.
Case Background and Defendant
The Lahore District Court handled a case involving well-known YouTuber Saad-ur-Rehman, who is active on social media under the alias "Ducky Bhai." The core accusation involves promoting illegal gambling and foreign exchange trading applications, violating relevant Pakistani laws and regulations.
This bail request was the YouTuber's second attempt since his first bail application was rejected on September 23, showing that the case is receiving ongoing attention and serious treatment by the judicial system.
Court Ruling and Hearing Process
District and Circuit Court Additional Judge Sajida Chaudhry announced the reserved decision on Thursday, which was made after both parties presented their arguments. The court ultimately supported the prosecution's position and denied the defendant's bail application.
According to the Pakistan Nation newspaper, the entire hearing process followed normal judicial procedures, and the judge made this decision after fully hearing both sides.
Prosecution Charges and Evidence
The prosecutor presented substantial evidence in court, accusing Rehman of illegally promoting unregistered platforms. This evidence includes videos encouraging the public to participate in platforms not registered with the Pakistan Securities and Exchange Commission.
The prosecution also explained to the court that investigations found significant funds traced to accounts related to the defendant, amounting to 160 million rupees and 50 million rupees, respectively, and these financial movements lacked sufficient justification.
Defense Arguments and Rebuttals
The defense lawyers presented several defense reasons in court, including no witnesses testifying, no formal notice received, and no gambling applications found on the defendant. The lawyers also pointed out inconsistencies in the investigation timeline.
The defense team further argued that Article 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act was misapplied, believing that if these applications were indeed illegal, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority should have blocked them.
Legal Basis and Charges
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has formally charged the YouTuber under multiple provisions of the Electronic Crimes Act. These provisions involve electronic forgery, fraud, spam, and electronic deception, among other related offenses.
In addition, the prosecution has also brought supplementary charges under certain provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, showing that the case involves violations of multiple legal areas.
Case Progress and Investigation Status
The case is still under trial, and the court will continue to investigate relevant evidence and legal application issues. The denial of bail means that the defendant will continue to be detained during the trial period.
Investigators are also continuing to investigate the potentially broader network involved in the suspected gambling promotion activities, and more individuals may be charged in the future.
Social Impact and Judicial Significance
This case has attracted widespread attention among Pakistan's social media and online content creator communities, highlighting the legal risks faced by influencers in promotional activities. The outcome of the case may serve as an important warning for similar promotional activities.
The serious handling of this case by the judicial system indicates that Pakistan is intensifying its efforts to combat cybercrimes, especially those related to finance and gambling.
Subsequent Procedures and Potential Developments
With the bail application rejected, the case will move into the next phase of judicial proceedings. The court will continue to hear the substantive charges, and investigative agencies may continue to gather additional evidence.
The defense still has the opportunity to present new defense reasons or evidence in the subsequent trial process, and the final judgment will depend on a comprehensive assessment of all evidence and the accurate application of legal provisions.
