ED summons Google and Meta in online betting probe: Report

As per the ED, illegal online betting platforms have been defrauding the public, laundering large sums of money, and evading taxes running into crores of rupees.

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned representatives from Google and Meta as part of an ongoing money laundering probe into illegal online betting platforms, ANI reported on Saturday, citing official sources.

According to ANI, the representatives of the two global tech firms have been asked to appear before the agency on Monday, July 21, and record their statements under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The federal agency is investigating how illegal betting and gambling platforms have managed to place advertisements on social media platforms, communication apps, and app stores, many of which are operated by tech majors like Google and Meta.

The ED’s summons are aimed at understanding the mechanisms through which such content is allowed and monetised online, sources told ANI.

The agency is also looking into the role of celebrities, sports personalities, and influencers who may have promoted these platforms, either knowingly or unknowingly. According to ANI, several of them may be summoned soon for questioning.

As per the ED, illegal online betting platforms have been defrauding the public, laundering large sums of money, and evading taxes running into crores of rupees.

These platforms, often operating through unregulated apps and websites, have been targeting users with flashy ads and misleading promotional tactics, raising serious concerns over user protection and digital advertising ethics.