LAHORE – The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned several prominent YouTubers and social media influencers for questioning over their alleged role in promoting illegal online gambling and trading platforms.
According to official summons, influencers including Mudassar Hassan, Muhammad Anas Ali, Iqra Kanwal, and Muhammad Husnain Shah have been directed to appear before the NCCIA office in Lahore on September 2, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale financial scams.
Investigators allege that the individuals promoted unlicensed apps, glamorizing online betting and trading to lure youth into unregulated investments. The NCCIA said such activities formed part of a coordinated scheme to defraud the public, encouraging deposits into unregistered and unlicensed applications.
The notice warned that failure to comply with the summons would be treated as an admission of guilt or forfeiture of the right to defend against the allegations.
According to whistleblower accounts and preliminary findings, the controversial betting app “World 777” has been aggressively funding influencer marketing campaigns across social media, targeting thousands of unsuspecting Pakistanis — particularly young audiences.
A wider list of high-profile figures allegedly linked to the promotion includes Mathira (media personality), YouTuber Nadir Ali, Aimen Zaman, Varda Malik, Javeria Aurangzeb, Abeera Khan, Faryal Fairy, and Nauman Kazmi.
Officials estimate that the scam is funneling billions of rupees out of Pakistan each month, creating a shadow economy that weakens financial stability and leaves many users trapped in debt and gambling addiction.