Earlier this week, BuzzFeed News reported that apps on the Play Store of Chinese company DO Global routinely commit click fraud by automatically clicking ads on behalf of users. Google has already removed applications and suspended accounts belonging to DO Global and it seems that ES File Manager could be part of the current crackdown.

ES File Manager is a well-known file manager, although its popularity has faded in recent years from developer to developer. The developer appeared more recently on the Play Store under "ES Global", although the application actually belongs to "Du Global". As confirmed by LinkedIn, Du is a sub-division of DO Global, the company currently involved in the click fraud scandal.

The ES file manager is well visible on Du's website.

We contacted Du Global to ask why the app had been removed, but it could be one of the applications violating the rules of the Play Store. The account corresponding to the request, "ES Global", has also been suspended.

If you are looking for a replacement, Solid Explorer and Files by Google are my personal favorites.

ES File Explorer File Manager
ES File Explorer File Manager