ED summons Google, Meta in Online Betting App Case
New Delhi, July 19 – In a major development that intensifies the crackdown on illegal online betting networks, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices to tech giants Google and Meta, summoning them for questioning on July 21. The move signals a significant expansion of the investigation into a sprawling digital betting scam with links to money laundering and hawala operations.
The ED is currently probing a wide web of online betting apps that have allegedly been operating outside legal boundaries. So far, at least 29 celebrities and social media influencers have been charged for promoting these platforms, drawing millions of users into potentially fraudulent schemes.
In a surprising turn, the ED has now turned its focus toward two of the world’s biggest tech companies. Authorities claim that Google and Meta played an “active role” in enabling these illegal apps to flourish by offering them premium advertising space and increased online visibility.
According to reports, investigators allege that the platforms helped these betting operators reach a broader audience by allowing paid promotions and hosting their websites on their ad networks. This, the ED claims, contributed to the explosive reach and popularity of the betting apps, many of which are under scrutiny for financial irregularities and international money trails.
The ED’s notices to Google and Meta mark a crucial step in holding digital intermediaries accountable in financial crimes. Officials argue that tech platforms can no longer turn a blind eye to the nature of businesses they promote, especially when such promotions may facilitate illegal or unregulated financial activity.
Sources within the ED have indicated that the upcoming questioning session will focus on advertising policies, due diligence mechanisms, and the revenue generated by hosting betting-related content. The agency is also likely to seek data on ad clients linked to the betting networks, which could lead to further disclosures.
