The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has intensified its crackdown against social media influencers accused of promoting illegal online applications, registering multiple cases in Lahore under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), fraud, and other relevant laws.
In the latest development, three prominent influencers - Iqra Kanwal, Nadeem Mubarak alias Naniwala, and Muhammad Hasnain Shah - have been booked for allegedly encouraging their followers to invest in mobile applications that promised high profits but were not legally registered. Investigators allege the influencers knowingly enticed ordinary citizens into fraudulent schemes, putting thousands at financial risk.
According to media reports, three separate cases have been registered against Nadeem Naniwala and Hasnain Shah, while one case has been filed against Iqra Kanwal. The NCCIA had summoned the accused multiple times to record their statements, but officials say they failed to provide satisfactory responses. Special teams have now been formed to arrest them.
Just a day earlier, the agency had registered cases against other well-known YouTubers — Rajab Butt, Anas Ali, and Hurairah — accusing them of promoting gambling through betting applications. Authorities said these influencers acted as brand ambassadors for online betting platforms, encouraging citizens to invest their savings with promises of high returns.
Despite receiving formal notices earlier this month, the influencers continued to advertise and promote the platforms. Officials revealed that their endorsements persuaded thousands of citizens to pour money into the apps, resulting in losses amounting to millions of rupees.
Fresh reports now confirm that a new case has also been filed against Rajab Butt for promoting betting applications. According to NCCIA officials, Butt used his social media platforms to advertise such apps. He had been summoned to provide clarification but, after failing to appear, a formal case was registered.
Authorities added that earlier this month, another high-profile YouTuber, Ducky Bhai, had been arrested in similar proceedings. He remains in custody, has been presented in court multiple times, and investigations against him are ongoing.
The NCCIA has accused Butt of urging youth to gamble online, misusing his platforms to promote fraudulent trading applications, and orchestrating schemes to mislead followers.
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