US Soldier Charged For Allegedly Using Sensitive Intel To Net $400,000 On Polymarket Bet Linked To Nicolás Maduro's Capture

The Justice Department charged an Army soldier on Thursday with allegedly using classified details about a mission to capture Venezuela’s ousted leader, Nicolás Maduro, to profit on Polymarket.

How A Solder Exploited Classified Intel

Authorities said that Gannon Ken Van Dyke had a role in planning and carrying out the military operation, giving him access to “sensitive” information.

The indictment says he staked about $33,034, including the U.S. invasion of Venezuela and Maduro’s ouster. All of this occurred ahead of Trump's public statement on Jan. 3 confirming Maduro's capture.

Van Dyke won all his wagers, allegedly making $409,81 in profits on the Polygon )-based prediction market.

“Gannon Ken Van Dyke allegedly betrayed his fellow soldiers by utilizing classified information for his own financial gain," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr.

FBI Director Kash Patel warned that clearance holders eyeing personal profit from their access and expertise “will be held accountable.”

Polyamrket didn’t immediately return Benzinga’s request for comment.

What This Indictment Means For Polymarket

The case lands amid intense scrutiny over “well-timed bets” linked to U.S. military actions on Polymarket.

Lately, similar allegations . Traders reportedly placed bets worth $430 million on a decrease in crude oil prices, just 15 minutes beforeTrump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Image via Shutterstock/ Aleksandar Malivuk