Cybercrime Agency Files Cases Against Influencers for Promoting Illegal Trading Apps

Lahore: The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has registered cases against three more prominent social media influencers for allegedly promoting illegal online trading and betting applications.

According to officials, influencers Iqra Kanwal, Nadeem Mubarak (popularly known as Naniwala), and Muhammad Hasnain Shah are accused of encouraging the public to invest in mobile applications that promised high returns but were not registered with any legal authority. These platforms, investigators say, were part of fraudulent financial schemes.

Authorities claim the accused used their large online followings to promote these apps, misleading thousands into investing their money. Many victims reportedly suffered significant financial losses after engaging with the platforms endorsed by the influencers.

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Sources confirm that three separate cases have been registered against Nadeem Mubarak and Muhammad Hasnain Shah, while Iqra Kanwal is facing one case. The NCCIA had summoned all three individuals multiple times to record their statements. However, officials say the responses provided were unsatisfactory.

In response, law enforcement agencies have formed special teams to arrest the accused. Officials allege the influencers were aware of the illegality of the platforms but continued to promote them for financial gain, putting the public at serious risk.

This development follows similar action taken just a day earlier, when cases were registered against influencers Rajab Butt, Anas Ali, and Hurairah for promoting gambling through betting applications. The cybercrime agency alleges that these individuals acted as brand ambassadors for such apps and continued their promotional activities despite formal warnings.

All cases have been filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), as well as sections related to fraud and public deception. Officials stress that further action will be taken against those misusing their online influence to exploit the public.