FIA officials produced him before the court upon the expiry of his earlier remand and sought an extension, arguing that further investigation was necessary.

The court accepted the request, and Ducky Bhai was taken back into FIA custody for interrogation.

Earlier this week, the court had also granted a two-day remand, during which FIA expanded the scope of its inquiry and summoned several other well-known YouTubers for questioning.

According to reports, those called include Iqra Kanwal (Sistrology), Muhammad Anas Ali, Muhammad Hasnain Shah, Mudasar Hasan, and Nadeem Mubarak (aka Nadeem Nani Wala).

The case has sparked concern in the digital community, as authorities intensify scrutiny of influencer-driven promotions.

Investigators allege that influencers promoted unregulated trading platforms and gambling apps, which led many users to lose significant savings.

Officials argue that such endorsements, particularly given the young and impressionable audiences of these creators, carried disproportionate influence and worsened the scale of losses.

A senior NCCIA official, speaking anonymously, suggested the probe may widen: “This is not just about careless advertising; it is about potential complicity in financial scams.

We will assess whether these influencers knowingly promoted fraudulent apps or neglected due diligence.”

The alleged offenses fall under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which criminalizes online fraud, gambling promotions, and unauthorized financial schemes.

The list of those brought into the cybercrime probe body’s radar includes the country’s most recognisable 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.