
Executives from Meta and Google, initially summoned by the ED for questioning on July 21, sought a deferral citing preparation time, as the agency investigates alleged promotion of illegal betting platforms through digital advertising channels
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons to senior executives from tech majors Google and Meta, asking them to appear on July 28 in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms.
The executives were initially scheduled to appear before the federal agency on July 21. However, official sources confirmed that both companies sought a deferral, citing the need for additional time to compile relevant documentation and information required for the proceedings.
The investigation focuses on the alleged promotion of unauthorized betting and gambling platforms through digital advertising on major tech portals and app stores. The ED is probing how these platforms managed to run promotional campaigns on high-traffic digital ecosystems, possibly violating Indian laws.
According to officials, the executives will be questioned under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and their statements will be formally recorded during the upcoming deposition.
A Google spokesperson confirmed the company’s cooperation with the ongoing investigation. “We are committed to keeping our platforms secure and do not allow promotion of illegal gambling ads. We are extending full support to the authorities to ensure user safety and accountability,” the spokesperson stated.
Meta has not issued any public comment on the matter.
Celebrities, ads under ED lens
The ED is also examining the potential involvement of influencers, actors, and sports personalities who may have endorsed or associated with such platforms. These individuals are likely to be summoned as the probe expands.
Officials allege that the platforms in question deceived users and engaged in large-scale laundering of illicit funds while evading taxes running into several crores.
Google, in a separate statement, highlighted its ad policy enforcement measures. The company said that in 2023 alone, it removed over 247 million ads and suspended nearly 3 million advertiser accounts in India, as part of its effort to combat policy violations and protect users.
As the investigation deepens, digital advertising standards and content moderation practices by global tech platforms are expected to come under sharper scrutiny.
The ED is investigating more than a dozen cases linked to illegal gambling and betting platforms across the country, including the Mahadev Online Book (MOB) app, whose main promoters hail from Chhattisgarh.
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