THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, July 19: In a major crackdown on online betting platforms, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned tech giants Google and Meta (parent company of Facebook) for questioning on July 21. The agency has accused both companies of extensively promoting advertisements of illegal betting apps, making them easily accessible to the public.
ED to Question Policy Behind Ad Promotions
According to the ED, these advertisements played a major role in facilitating illegal earnings worth crores of rupees.
The agency will now question representatives from Google and Meta to determine the terms under which these betting apps were promoted, what their ad policies were, and whether the companies were aware of the illegal nature of the platforms.
ED is also trying to identify victims who suffered financial losses due to these apps.
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Skill-Based Gaming Used as a Cover for Illegal Betting
The ED has revealed that several platforms, under the guise of “skill-based gaming,” were running illegal betting operations.
Initial investigations suggest that while these apps claimed to be legal by using the term “skill-based,” their operations were actually tied to betting and hawala transactions.
Black Money Routed Through Hawala Networks
According to ED officials, these apps generated black money worth crores, which was then transferred both domestically and internationally through complex hawala channels.
The agency has launched an investigation into multiple bank accounts, digital wallets, and shell companies linked to the scam.
ED Files Case Against 29 Celebrities for Promoting Betting Apps
Last week, the ED filed cases against 29 prominent celebrities for promoting these betting platforms. The list includes well-known names from Bollywood, the South Indian film industry, TV hosts, and social media influencers.
Among those named in the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) are actors Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, and Vijay Deverakonda.
They have been accused of misleading the public by promoting betting apps in exchange for hefty payments. According to the ED, these promotional campaigns enabled the apps to reach a large number of users and generate massive illegal revenue.
Wider Crackdown on Betting and Dabba Trading Networks
The ED has intensified its investigation into a widespread network of online betting platforms. On July 15, the agency conducted raids at multiple locations in Mumbai in connection with illegal dabba trading and betting operations. During the raids, it seized over ₹3 crore in cash, expensive luxury watches, and high-end cars.
