Indian probe agency summons Google, Meta in online betting case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement agency of the Government of India, has issued summons to global tech giants Google and Meta for questioning on July 21 as part of its ongoing investigation into illegal online betting apps. The agency has accused the companies of promoting betting platforms involved in money laundering and hawala transactions. This move marks a major escalation in a probe that has already roped in several high-profile celebrities and influencers.
Tech giants under ED lens
On Saturday, the ED served notices to Google and Meta, alleging that both platforms enabled the promotion of betting apps by offering premium advertising slots. Investigators claim that websites linked to these apps gained significant visibility on search and social platforms, aiding their reach and scale.
ED officials claim that the quick expansion of betting networks accused of conducting major financial crimes was facilitated by this exposure. These include making black money, laundering it through shell corporations, and sending money overseas via hawala networks.
The agency is now seeking to understand the policies followed by the tech companies in approving such advertisements and whether due diligence was ignored.
Celebrities, influencers named in case
The ED recently filed a case against 29 individuals, including actors, TV personalities, and social media influencers, for endorsing illegal betting platforms. Prominent names like Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, and Vijay Deverakonda have been named in the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).
Officials claim these celebrities received substantial payments to promote betting apps disguised as gaming platforms. Investigators are probing the source of these funds and whether the payments were made through lawful channels.
Spotlight on Mahadev Betting App
One of the central cases in the investigation is the Mahadev Betting App, which the ED estimates to be part of a scam exceeding ₹6,000 crore ($695.4 million). The app allegedly ran a widespread illegal betting operation, with links to multiple layers of financial transactions.
According to ED findings, a portion of the funds generated through Mahadev were routed to political figures. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been accused of receiving more than ₹500 crore ($58 million) from the promoters of the app. Baghel has denied any wrongdoing.
Several Bollywood stars have already been questioned in this case. The agency has also attached assets and properties believed to be bought using illegal proceeds.
Fairplay App and IPL streaming scam
Another major case involves the Fairplay betting app, which illegally streamed Indian Premier League (IPL) matches while facilitating unregulated betting.
The ED said this led to huge revenue losses for Viacom18, the official broadcaster of the IPL. The agency believes Fairplay gained traction through celebrity endorsements, and multiple individuals are now facing investigation for their role in promoting the app.
Assets worth hundreds of crores have been frozen or attached, and several arrests have been made. Chargesheets have also been filed against individuals associated with the platform.
Widening crackdown
In recent weeks, the ED has expanded its crackdown on digital betting platforms. Officials say many of these apps pose as skill-based gaming services to bypass legal scrutiny, while actually running illegal gambling operations. With Google and Meta now under the spotlight, investigators are looking at the broader ecosystem that allowed such platforms to thrive.
