The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices to two global tech giants, Google and Meta. The ED is investigating a major case related to betting apps and, in connection with this, has ordered representatives of both companies to appear on July 21.
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned global tech giants Google and Meta. This action by the ED is part of an investigation into money laundering and hawala-related cases linked to online betting apps. Representatives from both companies have been ordered to appear on July 21, 2025.
The ED will question both companies to understand how these platforms facilitated the promotion of betting apps and illegal transactions.
What is the whole matter?
The ED's investigation has revealed that several online betting apps are involved in illegal activities such as hawala and money laundering. These apps were heavily promoted through Google and Meta's platforms, leading to a rapid increase in their reach and popularity. The promotion of these apps made it easier to trap people and opened a path for converting illegal earnings into legitimate money.
Google's platforms include YouTube, Google Ads, and the Play Store, where advertisements and promotions for such apps have been ongoing. Similarly, Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have also been used to promote these apps, raising questions about the role of these platforms.
How are Google and Meta connected to this case?
According to the ED, Google and Meta provided platforms and slots for advertising these online betting apps. The promotion of these apps on these companies' platforms helped increase their popularity, benefiting those earning money through illegal means. The reach of these apps extended to rural areas and small towns.
The ED states that an investigation into the role of both companies' advertising policies is necessary to clarify which rules the companies followed and which were violated in promoting these apps.
ED's strict action, names of these celebrities came to the fore
ED officials are working to determine the extent of negligence or collusion by these companies in promoting these apps. Previously, at least 5 FIRs related to this scam have been registered in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The investigation has revealed that the names of several major Telugu film industry stars and TV actors are linked to this scam.
Last week, the ED questioned 29 celebrities associated with the Telugu cinema. The prominent names included:
- Vijay Deverakonda
- Rana Daggubati
- Prakash Raj
- Nidhhi Agerwal
- Pranitha Subhash
- Manchu Lakshmi
These celebrities are accused of participating in the promotion of these apps or being involved in financial transactions in some form.
Investigation of these online betting apps is ongoing
- Jungle Rummy
- A23
- JeetWin
- Parimatch
- Lotus365
These apps are accused of operating illegally in India and transferring large amounts of black money. Through this investigation, the ED aims to clarify why and how the platforms of global giants like Google and Meta were used to promote illegal activities in India.
