India: Google and Meta summoned again over gambling ads probe
Executives face Enforcement Directorate questioning under money laundering law.
Key points:
– Fresh summons issued after non-appearance of Meta and Google officials
– ED investigating digital ads promoting illegal betting platforms
– Celebrities also under scrutiny for endorsing gambling apps
As reported by The Times of India, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reissued summons to senior officials from Google and Meta, after representatives of both firms failed to attend scheduled questioning on 21 July. The summons relate to an ongoing money laundering probe into digital advertisements linked to unauthorised betting and gambling platforms.
The executives have now been instructed to appear before the ED on 28 July. Sources cited by the Press Trust of India (PTI) said the firms had requested more time in order to collect and submit relevant documentation. Once they appear, their statements are expected to be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to the agency, the ED is examining how such gambling promotions were permitted on major digital and social media platforms.
The investigation covers a wide network of illegal betting websites that allegedly used online ads to attract users and then defrauded them. In several cases, funds were allegedly laundered through these platforms, and authorities are also probing possible tax evasion.
Good to know: The ED is also preparing to question over two dozen Indian celebrities accused of promoting illegal gambling apps, including actors Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubati
The crackdown is part of a broader investigation that includes the Mahadev Online Book app, a platform reportedly operated from Chhattisgarh and linked to several financial offences.
More than a dozen cases tied to illegal gambling operations are currently under investigation.
The ED’s recent actions signal a wider move to hold both promoters and platforms accountable for the online gambling surge across India.
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