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A U.S. Army Special Forces soldier has been charged with allegedly using classified information to profit from bets related to the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
According to the U.S. Justice Department, Master Sergeant Gannon Van Dyke is accused of making approximately $400,000 by placing wagers on a prediction market platform ahead of a January operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture.
Prosecutors say Van Dyke used sensitive, nonpublic government information to predict key developments, including the involvement of U.S. forces and the outcome of the operation.
A grand jury indictment filed in federal court includes charges such as unlawful use of confidential information, wire fraud, commodities fraud, and theft of government data. Civil charges have also been filed by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The case is notable as it is believed to be the first instance of insider trading charges linked to a prediction market. Authorities emphasized that access to classified information comes with strict responsibilities and cannot be used for personal financial gain.
Polymarket, the platform referenced in the case, said it cooperated with investigators and referred the matter to authorities.