The ED or Enforcement Directorate of India has widened its investigation into illegal betting, as well as gambling platforms to include numerous stakeholders beyond digital platforms.
Authorities conducted the probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It now covers tech companies Google and Meta, app developers, media outlets, hawala operators, as well as celebrities allegedly involved in promoting unauthorized gambling schemes.
The agency reissued summons to Google and Meta after their executives failed to attend questioning scheduled for July 21. It has now directed both companies to appear on July 28. According to sources cited by the Press Trust of India, Google and Meta had requested more time to gather documentation.
Authorities are examining the use of digital ads on social media and online platforms to promote illegal betting apps. Officials say that platforms run by Google and Meta advertised many of the apps currently under investigation.
The agency is investigating whether the ads contributed to illegal betting activities and possible financial fraud. The ED is investigating tax evasion and the laundering of funds linked to these online betting schemes.
Neither Google nor Meta has publicly commented on the investigation or the summons. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting recently issued advisories warning digital platforms against publishing betting-related advertisements. Yet, officials reported that authorities still recorded violations.
The investigation includes a betting platform reportedly operated from Chhattisgarh, Mahadev Online Book app. Authorities have linked it to numerous financial offenses. The ED is examining evidence of foreign-linked betting operations allegedly using Indian digital platforms to facilitate illegal transactions.
The ED has also summoned four actors who are Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu, for questioning. Authorities are investigating these celebrities for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps on social media.
