Soldier Who Helped Plan Raid on Maduro Charged Over Bets

A U.S. Army soldier who played a role in planning a mission targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is now facing federal charges after authorities say he used inside knowledge of the operation to turn a major profit through online betting.

Prosecutors allege that Gannon Ken Van Dyke, 38, who was stationed at Fort Bragg, opened an account on the prediction market platform Polymarket in late December. In the days that followed, he placed about $33,000 in wagers tied to potential U.S. actions in Venezuela and the possible removal of Maduro.

The military operation was launched in the early hours of January 3 and resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife. Authorities say Van Dyke’s bets were highly profitable, bringing in more than $400,000.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said Van Dyke misused sensitive military intelligence by betting on the timing and outcome of the mission, calling the actions a clear example of insider trading under federal law.

Investigators say Van Dyke attempted to cover his tracks after the trades drew attention. He allegedly asked Polymarket to delete his account and changed the email linked to the cryptocurrency wallet where his winnings were stored.

Van Dyke, an active-duty Special Forces soldier, is also accused of taking part in the operation itself. According to the indictment, he was photographed afterward on the deck of a ship wearing U.S. military gear and carrying a rifle.

He faces several charges, including three counts under the Commodity Exchange Act, one count of wire fraud, and one count related to an unlawful financial transaction.

Polymarket said it identified suspicious trading tied to nonpublic government information, reported the activity to the Justice Department, and cooperated with investigators.

Officials say the case appears to be the first time federal prosecutors have pursued insider trading charges connected to bets placed on a prediction market.

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