Social media stars summoned over online gambling case

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued summons to YouTubers and several social media influencers for their alleged involvement in large-scale financial scams linked to the promotion of unlicensed online trading and gambling applications.

NCCIA has summoned four people, including Mudassar Hassan, Muhammad Anas Ali, Iqra Kanwal, and Muhammad Husnain Shah, to appear before its Lahore office on September 2, 2025, in connection with an investigation into illegal online betting and gaming platforms. Officials said the accused used social media to promote unlicensed apps, encouraging youth to invest in offshore gambling websites. They allegedly worked on a coordinated plan to mislead the public and push investments into unregulated platforms.

The authority warned that if the accused fail to appear, it will be taken as an admission of guilt or a waiver of their right to defend. Earlier findings supported by whistleblowers revealed that the controversial betting platform World 777 has been funding large-scale influencer marketing campaigns to lure people into gambling. Thousands of Pakistanis, particularly youth, have been targeted through flashy promotions that made gambling appear safe and attractive.

Among the well-known personalities linked with promoting the app are model and TV star Mathira, YouTuber Nadir Ali, Aimen Zaman, Varda Malik, Javeria Aurangzeb, Abeera Khan, Faryal Fairy, and Nauman Kazmi. According to officials, billions of rupees are leaving the country every month through these unregulated platforms. This parallel flow of money is damaging Pakistan’s financial stability while fueling gambling addiction and pushing many families into financial hardship. Authorities said the crackdown on illegal betting networks will continue, and more individuals may be summoned in the coming days as part of the widening investigation.