A US soldier involved in the operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January has been arrested for allegedly placing bets on the mission. Gannon Ken Van Dyke, who reportedly made over $400,000 on the prediction market Polymarket, faces charges including commodities fraud, wire fraud, and unlawful use of confidential government information.
According to the Department of Justice, Van Dyke began planning the operation in early December and placed 13 bets on Polymarket between then and early January, wagering on the US invasion of Venezuela and the capture of its leader. He could face up to 60 years in prison if convicted.
FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle Jr. condemned Van Dyke's actions, calling them a betrayal of his fellow soldiers. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that service members are prohibited from using sensitive information for personal gain. Polymarket confirmed it referred the user to the DOJ, asserting that insider trading has no place on its platform.
The arrest follows concerns about political insider trading, especially after well-timed bets on the Iran war netted over $1 billion. President Donald Trump, when asked about the case, compared it to Pete Rose betting on his own team and expressed general disapproval of betting markets, calling the world 'a casino.'
