Wider-Ranging Consequences
In a case that could have far-reaching implications for the tech and entertainment industries, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India has reissued summons to representatives of Google and Meta as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation focused on illegal online betting platforms[1][3].
The investigation, which began earlier this year, examines how these digital platforms enabled illegal betting apps to advertise and reach users, possibly facilitating large-scale financial misconduct, including hawala transactions, tax evasion, and laundering of crores of rupees under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)[1][2][4].
Key details about the investigation include:
- Summons and questioning: Both Google and Meta officials were summoned to appear before the ED in Delhi (initially on July 21, 2025), with Google representatives having given statements and provided documentation, while Meta officials have reportedly not appeared yet for the probe[1][2][3][4].
- Scope of investigation: The ED investigates the implication of digital platforms in hosting and promoting advertisements for illegal betting apps and websites, which are believed to have cheated users and laundered money[1][2]. The apps under scrutiny include VMoney, VM Trading, Standard Trades, IBull Capital, LotusBook, 11Starss, and GameBetLeague[2].
- Related enforcement actions: The probe follows major raids by the ED in Mumbai involving dabba (illegal) trading and online betting operations, leading to the seizure of unaccounted cash (₹3.3 crore), luxury assets, foreign currency, and cash-counting machines[2][3].
- Digital platforms' role: Google (via its search and advertising platforms) and Meta (which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) are being examined for their advertising policies, algorithmic promotion, and oversight related to the placement of illegal betting advertisements, which facilitated their widespread reach among users[1][2][3][4].
- Potential impact: If the investigation finds these companies complicit in knowingly allowing such ads, this could lead to further regulatory scrutiny, legal consequences, and possibly stricter enforcement or regulation of digital advertising practices for illegal activities on these platforms[1][2][4].
In addition to the tech giants, more than two dozen Indian celebrities, including Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Rana Daggubati, are being investigated for allegedly promoting or endorsing these platforms[1]. Betting and gambling remain largely restricted or illegal under Indian law, but loopholes in digital advertising have allowed such operations to reach a wide audience.
The investigation is focusing on how illegal betting and gambling platforms were able to promote themselves through digital advertisements on major tech platforms, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and oversight of digital advertising to prevent the proliferation of illegal activities[1]. The ED's move to hold both advertisers and platforms accountable emphasizes growing regulatory concern over the role of digital infrastructure in facilitating financial crime.
This investigation underscores the increasing regulatory attention on how major digital platforms manage ad content, especially for sectors prone to financial crimes like illegal betting and gambling. It also reflects enforcement efforts to curb money laundering and protect consumers from fraudulent schemes promoted online through sophisticated digital ads[1][2][4].
[1] NDTV. (2025). ED Summons Google, Meta Representatives Over Illegal Betting Platforms. [online] Available at: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ed-summons-google-meta-representatives-over-illegal-betting-platforms-3610744
[2] The Hindu. (2025). ED Raids Mumbai Offices in Online Betting and Dabba Trading Case. [online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ed-raids-mumbai-offices-in-online-betting-and-dabba-trading-case/article36098172.ece
[3] The Economic Times. (2025). ED Summons Google, Meta in Online Betting Probe. [online] Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ed-summons-google-meta-in-online-betting-probe/articleshow/91370393.cms
[4] Livemint. (2025). ED Probe: Google, Meta Face Scrutiny Over Digital Ads for Illegal Betting Platforms. [online] Available at: https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/ed-probe-google-meta-face-scrutiny-over-digital-ads-for-illegal-betting-platforms-11629650803268.html
- The investigation focusing on digital platforms' role in facilitating illegal betting ads has led to the ED summoning representatives from Google and Meta, signifying a potential general-news event and crime-and-justice issue.
- As part of the ongoing money laundering investigation, technology companies like Google and Meta are being examined for their advertising policies and algorithmic promotions, highlighting the need for stricter regulations in the tech industry to prevent the proliferation of financial crimes.
