Google, Meta summoned by Indian authorities, accused of illegal gambling ads and money laundering allegations.

Due to their absence at the hearing, Google and Meta have once again received subpoenas from the Indian Enforcement Directorate (ED). Investigators are conducting a large-scale investigation into money laundering activities through digital advertising channels by illegal online gambling platforms, and have requested both companies to appear in court on July 28 to provide explanations, as well as to submit all relevant data and documents.

This round of investigation specifically targets the "Mahadev Book" platform and its complex criminal network behind it. The Enforcement Directorate questions whether the two major tech companies have turned a blind eye to regulatory violations during the advertising placement process, or even indulged in permissive behavior due to a lack of scrutiny.

The controversy also involves several prominent figures from the Indian entertainment industry, including actors Prakash Raj and Vijay Deverakonda, who are suspected of endorsing illegal gambling apps and are being investigated for receiving "black money" compensation.

The Enforcement Directorate has made it clear: from platforms to stars, from money flows to advertising, nothing will be overlooked.