Meta absent as investigation widens to celebrities and sports figures
ED Investigates Money Laundering via Illegal Betting Platforms
India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into money laundering and illegal betting advertisements running on major digital platforms. The probe, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), focuses on how unauthorised gambling operators managed to promote their services to Indian consumers despite strict regulatory prohibitions.
Authorities believe these ads have facilitated large-scale financial crimes, including tax evasion and laundering schemes worth several crores of rupees. The investigation is not only targeting platform operators but also expanding to celebrities, influencers, and sports figures who may have indirectly supported these illegal betting networks through endorsements.
Google Cooperates, Meta Fails to Appear
The ED summoned representatives from both Google and Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) to provide explanations regarding their advertising policies and compliance measures.
While Google attended the hearing, presenting its compliance framework and pledging further cooperation, Meta failed to appear, raising questions about its approach to regulatory inquiries in India.
Google confirmed its stance on user safety, stating:
“We are extending our full support and cooperation to investigating agencies to hold bad actors responsible and keep users safe.”
How Ads for Illegal Platforms Evaded Controls
Despite existing ad policies, unauthorised betting platforms exploited loopholes to circumvent detection, placing ads that misled consumers and violated Indian law. Google disclosed that it relies on AI-powered detection systems combined with human review to enforce advertising policies. In 2023, the company removed over 247 million ads and suspended 3 million advertiser accounts in India alone.
Meta, on the other hand, has not yet provided a public statement addressing its absence at the ED hearing or detailing its ad control measures for the Indian market.
Celebrity Links Under Scrutiny
The ED investigation extends beyond digital platforms to public figures, including actors, influencers, and athletes allegedly linked to promoting illegal betting services. Authorities aim to establish whether these individuals were aware of the illegality of the platforms they endorsed.
Conclusion: Regulatory Crackdown on Digital Ad Ecosystem
This case highlights growing concerns about illegal online betting’s proliferation in India and the role of major tech platforms in preventing its spread. As the ED’s probe continues, stricter advertising compliance, enhanced monitoring, and accountability from both companies and endorsers will likely shape the next phase of India’s regulatory enforcement.
With Google’s cooperation and Meta under pressure, the outcome of this investigation may set a new precedent for digital ad responsibility in the country’s rapidly evolving online ecosystem.
