India’s Enforcement Directorate probes Google over illegal betting ads

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) continues its investigation into online advertisements promoting illegal betting and fraudulent shopping platforms, with Google representatives appearing before the agency this week, while Meta has yet to send officials.

The investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, centers on how unauthorized betting websites and deceptive online shopping links gained visibility through major digital platforms, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The ED alleges that online platforms hosted advertisements for betting websites that engaged in unlawful activities and collected large sums of money from Indian citizens. Officials said scammers posted these ads on social media to lure individuals into gambling or fraudulent purchases.

The agency had earlier attached assets worth ₹337 crore ($38.7 million) in relation to illegal betting around the 2024 Lok Sabha election results and unauthorized streaming of Indian Premier League matches.

Alongside the betting platforms, online shopping scams are also part of the probe. These schemes reportedly involve advertising unusually low-cost products via Google and social media, sending purchase links through WhatsApp, and then demanding additional payments under the guise of customs or delivery fees. Victims never receive the items and lose their money.

Google’s representatives appeared before the ED as scheduled, having requested a one-week deferral from the original July 21 summons date. The company is expected to provide relevant documentation, including statements from compliance officers.

In a statement, Google said: “We are extending our full support and cooperation to investigating agencies to hold bad actors responsible and keep users safe.” The company said it relies on both artificial intelligence systems and human review to enforce its ad policies.

According to Google, it removed more than 247 million ads and suspended nearly 3 million advertiser accounts in India in 2023 alone.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, was also summoned to appear before the agency but has not sent representatives to date. The company has not released a public statement regarding its absence from the proceedings.

The ED’s investigation also includes scrutiny of celebrities and sports figures who may have been involved in the promotion of these platforms through endorsements or sponsored content.

Officials say the case involves suspected large-scale financial misconduct, including tax evasion and money laundering worth several crores of rupees. The agency continues to assess the extent of the digital platforms’ involvement in enabling the ads.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further developments expected as the ED collects statements and documentation from involved parties.

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