A US Army Special Forces soldier has been charged after allegedly making more than $400,000 by betting on the outcome of a planned operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Prosecutors said Gannon Ken Van Dyke used nonpublic, classified information to place bets on a prediction market platform, including wagers related to Maduro’s potential removal and US military action in Venezuela. Authorities allege he turned an initial stake of roughly $30,000 into more than $400,000 in profit.
Van Dyke, who was reportedly involved in planning aspects of the operation, faces charges including wire fraud, commodities fraud, and unlawful use of confidential government information. Officials said the case represents a rare example of alleged insider trading linked to military intelligence.
The incident has raised broader concerns about the use of prediction markets and the potential for individuals with privileged information to profit from geopolitical events. Investigations into the case are ongoing.
