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US ARRESTS SOLDIER FOR $400K MADURO POLYMARKET BETS

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
FRI, APR 24, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 5 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

The US Department of Justice arrested Army Special Forces Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke for allegedly using classified information to place bets on prediction market Polymarket regarding the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Van Dyke, who was directly involved in the operation, allegedly profited $409,881.

Van Dyke is charged with using confidential government information for personal gain—marking the first US arrest for insider trading on a prediction market. According to the DOJ, Van Dyke created his Polymarket account around December 26 ahead of the operation. He placed wagers on Maduro's removal from office while having direct access to classified planning and execution details. The arrest follows months of investigation into suspicious betting activity on Polymarket surrounding the high-profile operation. Van Dyke faces multiple charges related to mishandling classified information and illegal profit from government operations. Polymarket, a decentralized prediction platform, has faced increased scrutiny from regulators. The arrest raises questions about oversight mechanisms for such platforms and access controls for classified military operations.

■ SOURCES

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■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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