The rise of digital influencers has transformed the way brands reach audiences—but it has also attracted the scrutiny of regulators, especially when promotion crosses into legally restricted or fraudulent activities. The latest example is the case of Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt, who has been formally summoned by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for allegedly promoting illegal online gambling and trading applications.
The Summons
- Date: September 9, 2025
- Authority: NCCIA, Lahore Office
- Officer in Charge: Assistant Director Shoaib Riaz
- Legal Representation: Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq will represent Rajab Butt, with a written response submitted on the same day.
The summons makes clear that failure to appear will be treated as evidence that the accused has no defense to present.
Allegations
According to the NCCIA, Rajab Butt is accused of:
- Promoting unregistered and unlicensed gambling and trading apps across social media platforms.
- Encouraging young audiences to invest money through these platforms.
- Acting as part of an “orchestrated scheme” designed to defraud the public, particularly targeting vulnerable groups.
Authorities stress that such activities not only violate local cyber laws but also erode trust in the digital economy.
Others Implicated
Rajab Butt is not the only influencer under investigation. The NCCIA has also summoned:
- Iqra Kanwal, who has cited pregnancy and medical advice as reasons for requesting a delay in her appearance.
- Muhammad Anas Ali, named in the same inquiry.
These parallel cases suggest a wider network of influencers allegedly involved in promoting questionable financial apps.
Context: Broader Crackdown
The NCCIA’s action comes in the wake of the August arrest of YouTuber Saadur Rehman (aka Ducky Bhai), detained at Lahore airport under similar allegations. That case was registered under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (2016), covering:
- Electronic forgery and fraud
- Spamming and spoofing
- Cheating (Section 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code)
- Offering prizes (Section 294B of the Penal Code)
The arrest set a precedent for holding influencers accountable under both cybercrime and penal law.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
- Cybercrime law enforcement: The NCCIA is signaling that digital promotion of unlicensed apps falls squarely under cybercrime legislation.
- Influencer liability: Content creators can no longer assume immunity when promoting apps, financial schemes, or gambling platforms.
- Investor protection: Regulators are prioritizing the defense of consumers—particularly young people—against scams disguised as investment opportunities.
- Regional oversight: While the alleged activities were promoted online and connected to Dubai, accountability is being pursued through Pakistan’s domestic cybercrime framework.
What Comes Next
- Rajab Butt’s defense team has committed to fully contesting the charges.
- The NCCIA will weigh his response and supporting evidence before determining whether formal charges will proceed.
- With additional influencers named in the same probe, the investigation could broaden into a systemic crackdown on social media–driven financial scams.
Conclusion
The case of Rajab Butt illustrates the growing intersection between digital influence, financial technology, and regulatory enforcement. As social platforms increasingly shape financial behavior, authorities are tightening oversight on content creators who cross into the promotion of illegal, fraudulent, or unregulated services.
This is more than a personal legal battle for a YouTuber—it is a test case for the future of influencer accountability in South Asia’s digital economy.
