The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has filed separate cases against three well-known social media influencers, namely Rajab Butt, Anas Ali and Hurairah, accusing them of promoting gambling through online betting applications and deceiving their audiences.

The complaints were lodged in Lahore under various provisions, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), fraud and other applicable laws. The accused allegedly served as brand ambassadors for these gambling platforms, enticing the public to invest money by promising high financial returns.

Before initiating legal proceedings, the NCCIA had issued formal warnings to the influencers. Authorities claim the influencers' promotions led thousands of people to invest their savings into these apps, resulting in financial losses amounting to crores of rupees.

On Sept 6, the NCCIA issued official summons to several high-profile YouTubers and influencers as part of its investigation into the promotion of online gambling and betting apps. Among those called to appear before the agency were Rajab Butt, Iqra Kanwal and Anas Ali. Written notices were also sent requiring their presence for questioning.

Butt, who has been residing in Dubai and frequently traveling to the UK, is reportedly the central figure in the probe. He has been specifically accused of urging young people to invest in online gambling apps, promoting trading and betting platforms through his social media channels and designing a coordinated scheme to mislead the public and rob them of their money.

The official notice also said that if Butt fails to appear, it will be assumed that he has no defence or explanation to offer.