A recent exposé by Investigate Europe uncovered links between the gambling company Soft2bet and over 100 blacklisted online casinos, prompting censorship attempts through fraudulent copyright claims submitted to Google. The campaign, involving impersonation and content manipulation, has effectively removed critical reporting from search results. This issue draws concern from European lawmakers and digital rights advocates.

Investigative Journalism Under Fire

After the report was published in March, Google received over 50 takedown notices under the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Many of these complaints falsely claimed copyright infringement by Investigate Europe’s media partners. In 39 cases, mystery complainants impersonated Investigate Europe, alleging that its partners were distributing unauthorized copies of the original article. Furthermore, these perpetrators duplicated the content on platforms like Tumblr, backdated it, and submitted takedown requests to Google. 

Once the genuine articles were de-indexed, the fraudulent pages were deleted. Although the original story on Investigate Europe’s website remained accessible, outlets such as Amphora Media in Malta, Frontstory in Poland, Reporters United in Greece, and Delfi in Estonia had their content removed from Google’s search engine. Google acknowledged the issue, stating that it employs human and automated systems to detect fraudulent takedown requests. While those affected can file counter-notifications, new fraudulent complaints often follow.

Soft2bet’s PR Push and Regulatory Silence

Despite the controversy, Soft2bet has not responded to questions about the takedown campaign. In its earlier response to the investigation, the company denied foul play and claimed full legal compliance. Meanwhile, the provider launched an aggressive public relations campaign, purchasing online ads and securing coverage in major media outlets. 

In Estonia, Delfi received a takedown notice days after publishing paid content promoting Soft2bet, replacing critical news with favorable marketing material in Google search results. Investigate Europe revealed that Soft2bet’s owner, Uri Poliavich, and his network are linked to at least 114 unlicensed online casinos hidden behind offshore shell companies. Many of these operations have gone bankrupt after lawsuits from players in Germany and Austria. Despite being blacklisted in various jurisdictions, sites connected to Soft2bet continue to draw millions of visits from countries like Germany and the UK, where the company remains licensed.

Calls for an EU-Wide Crackdown

Lawmakers across Europe implore more aggressive regulation of online gambling. UK MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith stressed the need for international cooperation to shut down black market operators. Italian MEP Carolina Morace criticized the European Commission’s inaction, saying a binding EU directive is urgently needed. 

While regulators remain silent, Soft2bet continues to expand, launch new brands, and secure sponsorship deals, in preparation to enter the US market. This incident highlights the vulnerability of investigative journalism to legal loopholes and the influence of unregulated online industries.