British-Pakistani social media figure denies accusations, says he will cooperate fully with cybercrime investigators
British-Pakistani social media influencer and online trader Zareq Nazir has announced that he will travel to Pakistan to cooperate with an investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) into allegations of promoting illegal online gambling and betting applications. The development was reported by Geo News and follows heightened scrutiny of social media figures accused of using their digital reach to market unlawful financial platforms.
Nazir, who commands millions of followers across platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, said he intends to participate fully in the inquiry and hopes for what he described as “justice and fair treatment.” He maintains that the first information report (FIR) filed against him is false and based on misunderstandings of his online content.
The influencer has been named in the same FIR as fellow content creator Nadeem Naniwala, whose real name is Nadeem Mubarek. Naniwala recently returned to Pakistan from London alongside YouTuber Rajab Butt. Both men were previously detained by UK authorities in connection with the matter, during which time Nazir was also present. Nazir stated that their mobile phones were confiscated for nearly 48 hours as part of the UK inquiry, an episode that he says later contributed to complications affecting Rajab Butt’s immigration status.
According to the FIR registered at the NCCIA Police Station in Lahore, investigators allege that Nazir and Naniwala used their social media influence to promote trading, gambling and betting applications for personal financial gain. The complaint claims that the two jointly advertised multiple platforms, portraying them as lucrative investment opportunities and encouraging followers to participate, allegedly resulting in financial losses for members of the public.
Nazir has categorically denied the allegations. He stated that he has never used or promoted gambling applications and is not involved in any form of illegal activity. He argued that the case may be linked instead to his lifestyle-focused content, which often features luxury vehicles and public cash giveaways during visits to cities such as Lahore and Sialkot. According to Nazir, such displays are part of his work as an online trader and personal brand and should not be conflated with gambling promotion.
While acknowledging concerns about possible mistreatment, Nazir said recent developments have reassured him. He pointed to the widely publicised release of another influencer, Ducky Bhai, who was arrested in a related cybercrime case, as restoring his confidence in the legal process.
Nazir is expected to arrive in Pakistan on 15 December, where he will formally join the NCCIA inquiry. Authorities have not yet indicated when the investigation is expected to conclude or whether further individuals may be questioned as part of the case.
