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Another shock investigation was announced in the world of YouTube influencers, once again pertaining to the promotion of gambling apps deemed to be illegal.
This time the focus is on Argentina.
Argentinian authorities seized digital equipment and documents from the the residence of popular streamer Joaco López during a weekend raid.
López, one of the country’s most-followed streamers, had been warned twice before to stop promoting gambling content. He is accused of being in violation of Games of Chance under Article 301 bis of Argentina’s Penal Code.
Investigators allege that López used his social media reach to advertise and encourage participation in an online casino that lacked legal authorization. The probe also suggests he offered economic incentives to attract new users and increase betting activity.
Following the raid, López made light of the situation on X, posting: “Good morning, I just woke up and my computer’s gone, did anyone see it?”
Other influencers and streamers haven't been so lucky.
Ducky Bhai to Remain Behind Bars
A popular YouTube influencer will remain behind bars for violating laws tied to the promotion of gambling apps. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) of Pakistan intensified its investigation against Saad-ur-Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai. Bhai, who resides in Lahore, Pakistan, is accused of promoting popular brands such as bet365. He has over a million followers. The sensational case has generated considerable interest across the globe these past two months, including among Gambling911 readers. (read more from Gambling911.com)
YouTuber Rajab Butt Arrested Also
Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) last week filed a case against another popular YouTuber Rajab Butt (pictured below) for allegedly promoting unlicenced gambling and trading applications on social media. The move comes weeks after the arrest of influencer Saad ur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, over similar charges.
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According to the First Information Report (FIR), Butt is accused of acting as a brand ambassador for several online betting platforms and failing to appear before the NCCIA to provide a defence. The charges against him include electronic forgery, fraud, spamming, and spoofing under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as well as cheating and offering prizes connected with trade under the Pakistan Penal Code.
Arrests Expose YouTuber as Promoter of Gang-Owned Illegal Horse Betting Site
Last week's shocking news of the arrests of 29 people in Seoul, South Korea for allegedly illegally streaming official Korean horse races and letting people from other countries make bets on them also has ties to a YouTube influencer.
The unidentified YouTuber is said to have had 10,000 followers, through whom they used text ads and referrals to obtain more site members.
The suspects are referred to in the complaint by initials (e.g. “A,” “B,” “YouTuber A”) in the Korean media.
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
