Top Tech Executives Called to Delhi Amid Money Laundering Probe
India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned top executives from Google and Meta to its headquarters in New Delhi on Monday, July 21, as part of an ongoing investigation into online betting apps.
Two senior government officials confirmed that the financial crime-fighting agency is looking into possible money laundering linked to these platforms. The investigation focuses on whether Google and Meta allowed or promoted betting apps through advertisements, helping them reach a broader audience.
Serious Accusations Against Google and Meta
According to one official, both companies are being accused of facilitating illegal activity by hosting or promoting betting-related content on their platforms, despite the Indian government’s clear advisory against such promotions.
The agency will also examine if the tech giants received advertising funds from betting apps and whether they have been involved in similar promotions for other gambling platforms.
“There is concern that these platforms ignored government guidelines and contributed to the spread of illegal betting in India,” said one official, who asked not to be named.
No Official Comments Yet
As of now, Google and Meta have not responded to requests for comments on the issue. The investigation is being treated as a high-priority case due to the large scale of influence and user base these companies hold in India.
Government’s Warning Against Betting Promotions
Back in 2022, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a strong advisory warning against the promotion of gambling or betting, both online and offline. The ministry highlighted that betting poses serious financial and social risks, especially to young people and children.
The advisory clearly stated that no media platforms should run ads related to gambling or betting, as it goes against the public interest.
What Happens Next?
The outcome of this investigation could have major implications for how international tech platforms operate in India, especially concerning the content and ads they allow.
This case marks one of the first times India’s financial enforcement agency is directly questioning tech giants over the promotion of illegal online activities.
