Google and Meta Summoned Again in India's Betting Probe
India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not relenting in its probe into the alleged role of Google and Meta in promoting illegal online betting and gambling platforms through advertisements.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Despite skipping their scheduled questionings on July 21, the ED has issued fresh summons to executives from the big giants, requiring their presence on July 28.
According to sources cited by Press Trust of India (PTI), the delay was due to Google and Meta requesting more time to collect and submit necessary documentation. The companies are required to tender documents on ad revenues, business dealings, and algorithmic placements with betting platforms.
The ED's investigation centers on whether these tech giants facilitated money laundering by allowing betting platforms to run ads and failing to properly vet advertisers, potentially violating the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
These sites, in question, are accused of using online ads to lure users, swindle them, launder funds, and evade taxes. One of them is the Mahadev Online Book app, a Chhattisgarh-based online betting platform, which is being investigated for illegal gambling and financial irregularities.
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In addition to Google and Meta, the probe also targets app developers, media outlets, Hawala operators, and celebrity endorsers. It forms part of a wider crackdown on foreign-linked betting operations using Indian platforms for illegal activities. Investigators are tracking financial transactions and revenue streams connected to these betting sites.
The ED has also invited four popular actors for questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation. The actors, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu, were accused of endorsing and promoting illegal online betting apps through their social media presence.
The enforcement effort is further intensified by the perceived non-compliance of digital platforms with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's advisories, which had warned against airing betting-related ads. Despite these warnings, violations reportedly continued, leading to a stricter crackdown.
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