Google Grilled by ED in Crores Illegal Online Betting ads Scam – Meta Skips Hearing.

Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098

Google officials have deposed before the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering probe linked to illegal online betting ads. The ED is examining tech platform liabilities under PMLA. While Google extended full cooperation, Meta officials failed to appear. The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) is tracking this high-impact digital crackdown.

In a significant development, senior representatives of Google appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday in connection with a high-stakes money laundering investigation linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms. This probe, being closely monitored by the Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT), marks a growing regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech’s role in promoting unlawful content in India.

The ED had earlier summoned executives from both Google and Meta on July 21, but granted a week’s extension after both companies requested more time. While Google executives complied with the summons and appeared on July 28, Meta officials failed to depose, raising eyebrows within the investigative community.

According to sources, the ED is examining how digital ad revenue ecosystems may have facilitated the promotion of illegal betting platforms on search engines and social media. These platforms, often masked as casual gaming or fantasy sports apps, allegedly violate Indian laws related to gambling, data privacy, and financial transactions.

Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the agency is expected to record the official statement of Google’s designated compliance officer. The agency has also reportedly obtained supporting documents related to ad policies and payment trails, as it seeks to establish whether Google’s ad platform inadvertently helped launder proceeds of crime through promotional campaigns run by these betting platforms.

An official with knowledge of the matter said that the ED is particularly focused on the “intermediary liability” of tech platforms and whether companies took timely action against flagged content in accordance with Indian laws.

A Google spokesperson, in a statement to PTI last week, reiterated the company’s commitment to safeguarding its platforms. “We are committed to keeping our platforms safe and secure, and we prohibit the promotion of illegal gambling ads,” the spokesperson said.

Further adding, “We are extending our full support and cooperation to the investigating agencies to hold bad actors accountable and protect users.” This signals Google’s attempt to distance itself from the alleged wrongdoing by advertisers who may have misused the platform’s tools and algorithmic reach.

Despite these assurances, regulatory officials remain cautious. “Merely banning such content in policy documents is not sufficient. Platforms must implement robust detection, flagging, and takedown mechanisms,” said a former ED officer, quoted by the Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT).

While Google showed up for questioning, Meta’s absence has sparked fresh concerns about corporate accountability. Industry observers note that Meta’s platforms—especially Facebook and Instagram—have historically been used to target users with betting app advertisements, often routed through shell companies or offshore promoters.

According to media reports, the ED may issue a fresh summons to Meta officials, and failure to comply could invite legal action under PMLA provisions. The agency is also examining financial transaction data, including UPI and crypto payments, allegedly linked to these platforms.

This case is part of a broader crackdown by Indian enforcement agencies on digital platforms accused of enabling financial crimes, including illegal lending apps, cryptocurrency fraud, and now online betting.

The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has earlier reported on Chinese-funded betting syndicates, many of which use Google Ads, Facebook marketing tools, and influencer channels to lure Indian users, often resulting in heavy financial losses.

Cybercrime experts warn that many of these illegal betting platforms operate behind layers of dummy websites, offshore entities, and anonymous payment gateways—making regulation and enforcement complex, especially when tech platforms play a neutral host.

The ED’s investigation into Google’s role in online betting money laundering may set a precedent for greater regulatory oversight of Big Tech platforms in India. As the government gears up to tighten rules under the upcoming Digital India Act, this case underscores the urgent need for transparent and enforceable ad policy frameworks.

Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) will continue to track developments in this high-impact case involving Big Tech, illicit funds, and the rising risks of online gambling addiction in India.