US soldier charged over $400,000 bets on Maduro capture

A United States Army Special Forces soldier has been charged with using classified information to make nearly $400,000 by betting on the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, according to the US Justice Department.

The accused, Gannon Ken Van Dyke, a 38-year-old master sergeant, allegedly placed wagers on the prediction market platform Poly-market in the weeks leading up to Maduro’s capture on January 3, 2026. Prosecutors say he used sensitive, non-public information obtained through his involvement in the planning and execution of the operation to make the bets.

A federal grand jury in Manhattan indicted Van Dyke on multiple charges, including unlawful use of confidential government information, theft of nonpublic data, commodities fraud, wire fraud, and engaging in unlawful financial transactions.

Authorities said the soldier had access to classified intelligence from December 2025 through early January 2026 and used that knowledge to predict that US forces would intervene in Venezuela and remove Maduro from power. His bets reportedly generated profits exceeding $400,000.

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Officials stressed that military personnel are strictly prohibited from exploiting classified information for personal financial gain. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the case represents a serious breach of trust and national security obligations.

The case is believed to be the first instance of insider trading charges linked to a prediction market, highlighting growing concerns over the misuse of such platforms.

Van Dyke, who has served in the US Army since 2008 and was stationed at Fort Bragg, is expected to appear before a judge in North Carolina. He could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

The platform Poly-market said it cooperated with investigators and does not tolerate insider trading, while US regulators have also filed civil charges in connection with the case.