Zepto Clarifies Role In ED’s Parimatch Investigation

What Prompted Zepto’s Clarification On The Parimatch Probe?

Quick commerce platform Zepto has issued a clarification after media reports suggested that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had sought information from the company as part of its ongoing investigation into offshore betting platform Parimatch and its promotional activities in India.

The reports indicated that the ED was examining how advertisements linked to Parimatch may have reached Indian consumers and whether various digital platforms had any role in facilitating those promotions.

Responding to queries, Zepto said it had fully cooperated with the investigation and shared all information available with the agency. The company also emphasized that it had no operational involvement with the betting platform or the activities being examined by authorities.

The clarification comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of offshore betting and gaming platforms operating or advertising in India.

What Did Zepto Say About Its Connection To The Advertiser?

According to Zepto, the issue relates to an advertisement campaign that was run in March 2025 through a third-party media and vendor arrangement involving a merchandise entity.

The company stated that it did not directly onboard, contract with, or manage the advertiser in question. Zepto further clarified that it had no involvement in any betting, gaming, payment processing, user acquisition, or operational activities connected to the entity currently under investigation.

A company spokesperson said the campaign was handled entirely through external channels and that Zepto’s role was limited.

The company maintained that it neither controlled nor managed the advertiser and therefore had no direct engagement with any activities linked to the betting platform.

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How Has Zepto Cooperated With The ED Investigation?

Zepto said it has fully cooperated with the Enforcement Directorate since receiving queries related to the matter.

According to the company, all information available with Zepto was shared with investigating officials. The company also connected authorities with the concerned third-party vendor that managed the advertising campaign to facilitate any additional inquiries.

By directing investigators to the vendor responsible for handling the campaign, Zepto said it sought to ensure that authorities could obtain all relevant details required for the investigation.

The company reiterated that it remains committed to complying with legal and regulatory requirements.

Did Zepto Play Any Operational Role In The Activities Being Investigated?

Zepto has categorically denied any operational involvement in the activities under scrutiny.

The company stated that it was not involved in betting operations, gaming services, payment processing, customer acquisition, or any business activities associated with Parimatch.

According to Zepto, its involvement was limited to an externally managed advertising arrangement, and it had no role beyond that engagement.

What Is The ED Investigating In The Parimatch Case?

According to media reports, the Enforcement Directorate is examining alleged promotional activities connected to Parimatch and how advertisements related to the platform may have been distributed across various digital channels.

The agency is reportedly looking into advertising content, marketing campaigns, advertiser verification mechanisms, and the relationships between platforms and advertisers involved in such promotions.

Authorities are also believed to be reviewing whether offshore betting entities used intermediary channels to reach Indian consumers despite regulatory restrictions.

While the investigation remains ongoing, no allegations of wrongdoing have been publicly made against Zepto.

Why Is Regulatory Scrutiny Of Betting Platforms Increasing?

The development comes as Indian enforcement agencies intensify their focus on offshore betting and gaming platforms.

Over the past few years, authorities have increased investigations into the ways such entities market their services, process payments, and acquire users within India.

Regulators have also been examining the role played by digital platforms, influencers, advertisers, and marketing agencies in facilitating the promotion of offshore betting brands.

The broader crackdown reflects concerns around consumer protection, financial compliance, and the growing reach of offshore gaming operators in the Indian market.

What Does This Mean For Digital Platforms?

The latest development highlights the growing importance of advertiser due diligence and compliance processes for digital platforms.

As enforcement agencies continue to scrutinize advertising ecosystems, companies are likely to face greater expectations around verification procedures, third-party vendor oversight, and transparency in advertising partnerships.

For Zepto, the company maintains that it has fully cooperated with investigators and that it had no direct relationship with the advertiser linked to the probe.

The case also underscores how digital platforms may increasingly come under regulatory examination even when advertising campaigns are managed through external vendors and intermediaries.