India’s financial crime agency has called on representatives from Google and Meta to explain their role in the advertisement and visibility of illegal betting platforms operating online. The summons, issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, form part of a broader probe into how these platforms promote their services through digital channels and evade regulatory scrutiny.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has scheduled meetings with the two companies’ teams on July 21 in Delhi, where officials will seek clarity on how such operators managed to run ad campaigns across major tech platforms. While the companies have yet to comment, the agency has made it clear that intermediaries enabling financial transactions or visibility for these platforms are now under the scanner.
Celebrities, influencers also under watch as investigation expands
Beyond corporate intermediaries, the ED’s inquiry is also focusing on public figures suspected of endorsing or promoting illegal betting apps. Actors, social media influencers, and sports personalities are reportedly part of the probe, and some are expected to receive summons in the coming weeks.
The platforms in question are believed to have siphoned off large sums from Indian users, routing the proceeds through unregulated digital channels and evading tax obligations. According to ED officials, the pattern points to organised laundering efforts, potentially involving both domestic and international actors.
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Authorities believe the ads placed on major search engines and social media platforms played a key role in luring users into these gambling schemes. The investigation is now trying to determine how much oversight tech platforms exercised before accepting and displaying such advertisements.
Wider digital accountability framework taking shape
This case reflects India’s growing focus on ensuring accountability among global technology firms in matters of financial fraud, misinformation, and illicit content. With digital platforms increasingly central to public and financial life, regulators are demanding tighter content governance and ad policy enforcement.
As illegal betting operations continue to evolve, authorities are expected to intensify cooperation with tech firms to monitor ad traffic, financial traces, and platform misuse. The outcome of this case could influence future regulation on online advertising and content approval for high-risk categories.
