Pakistan’s cybercrime agency bans 46 betting apps
The NCCIA says the apps were facilitating illegal betting, casino-style games, and unlicensed forex and binary trading.
Pakistan.- The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) of Pakistan has banned 46 apps that it says were operating in violation of national laws by facilitating illegal betting, casino-style games, and unlicensed forex and binary trading.
The country’s cybercrime watchdog said the platforms posed serious risks to users’ financial security and personal data. It said such platforms expose users to “scams, data theft, and addictive behaviours.”
The NCCIA has asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to immediately block access to the listed applications and urged the public to avoid using unverified apps. The agency emphasised the importance of digital literacy and personal vigilance.
Earlier this month, Saad ur Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai, was arrested at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore by the NCCIA. The 27-year-old, one of Pakistan’s most prominent YouTubers, was reportedly attempting to leave the country despite his name being placed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL).
Authorities allege that Rehman used his social media channels, especially YouTube, to promote unlicensed gambling. According to the NCCIA, his videos contained more than two dozen links to gambling platforms, and Rehman allegedly acted as a country manager for Binomo, with no approval from Pakistan’s central bank or tax authorities.
