Google Officials Testify Before ED in Online Betting PMLA Probe

Fast Summary

• Google representatives deposed before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 28, 2025, in a money laundering probe linked to illegal online betting adn gambling platforms.
• meta officials did not appear for deposition despite an earlier summons scheduled for July 21 and extended to july 28.
• The ED aims to record statements from Google’s compliance officer under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and obtain documents related to advertisement placement strategies.
• Google stated it’s commitment to prohibiting illegal gambling ads, leveraging AI advancements and human expertise for ad policy enforcement. It claimed removal of 247.4 million ads and suspension of 2.9 million advertiser accounts in India last year.
• No official response was provided by Meta, formerly Facebook.
• The enquiry includes investigation into celebrity endorsements, social media advertising roles, tax evasion, and laundering claims involving crores of rupees through illegal betting platforms such as the Mahadev Online Book app.

Read more: The Hindu Article Link

indian Opinion Analysis

The ongoing ED investigation highlights systemic risks posed by illicit online betting schemes that not only cheat individuals but possibly harm india’s financial ecosystem through money laundering activities. The scrutiny on major tech platforms like Google-and possibly others like Meta-reflects rising concerns about how such platforms are utilized by illicit actors via advertisements despite stringent policies.Google’s proactive removal statistics demonstrate efforts toward ensuring compliance; however, thier effectiveness will be tested against regulatory expectations during this probe. Meanwhile, Meta’s non-response raises questions regarding corporate accountability amid increasing governmental oversight over digital businesses operating within India.

This case underlines the importance of collaborative measures between regulatory authorities and technology companies to safeguard digital ecosystems from misuse while protecting consumer interests-a critical issue as India sees growing internet penetration fueled by accessibility-driven growth in app-based economies.