Indian probe agency questions Google in gambling ad case
Google executives have appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement agency of the Government of India, in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation related to the promotion of illegal online betting and gambling platforms. The development comes as the federal agency intensifies its crackdown on digital ad practices that allegedly enabled unregulated gambling links to reach Indian users.
Google executives questioned under PMLA
According to a report by news agency PTI, the ED summoned representatives from Google and Meta earlier in July as part of its probe into how illegal betting platforms were advertised on digital platforms. While both companies were initially called on 21 July, only Google executives appeared before the agency after requesting more time to gather relevant documents.
The ED has reportedly recorded the statement of a designated compliance officer from Google under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency has also obtained certain documents from the tech giant as part of the investigation.
According to PTI, a Google spokesperson said, “We are committed to keeping our platforms safe and secure, prohibiting the promotion of illegal gambling ads. We are extending our full support and cooperation to investigating agencies to hold bad actors responsible and keep users safe.”
Meta yet to appear before investigators
While Google has responded to the ED’s summons, Meta’s representatives have yet to appear for questioning. The agency had summoned both companies to understand the internal mechanisms and ad approval processes that may have allowed illegal gambling promotions on platforms like Google Search, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
The ED is trying to determine how these betting and gambling apps were able to bypass ad policies and reach large audiences despite Indian laws banning unregulated betting platforms.
Celebrities under scanner
The investigation has also widened to include celebrity endorsements. Earlier this month, the ED charged several public figures for promoting illegal betting apps in violation of the Public Gambling Act, 1867.
Actors Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and 26 other celebrities have been named by the agency. The ED claims these individuals endorsed gambling apps that were involved in cheating users and money laundering activities. The promotions allegedly contributed to user trust in these platforms, which may have led to wider financial and legal consequences.
Focus on Mahadev Online Book and other platforms
The ED is currently handling over a dozen cases related to illegal betting operations, with Mahadev Online Book being one of the most high-profile targets. The platform is suspected of operating from outside India, with key individuals believed to be based in Chhattisgarh.
According to sources, these platforms were not only bypassing legal and tax regulations but were also involved in large-scale money laundering and tax evasion.
ED tightens regulatory oversight on digital platforms
The ongoing investigation highlights the growing regulatory focus on how digital platforms enable content and ads that may breach Indian laws. Authorities are increasingly concerned about the role of tech platforms in hosting or promoting unlicensed gambling operators, especially as such activities have serious implications for consumer protection and national revenue.
