A US Army special forces soldier has been arrested and charged after allegedly using classified military information to place bets on a prediction market related to a covert operation involving Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro.
According to federal prosecutors, Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke, who was stationed at Fort Bragg, opened an account on a prediction trading platform in late December and placed multiple wagers that Maduro would be removed from power within a short timeframe. Prosecutors allege he had access to sensitive operational details connected to a secret mission and used that inside knowledge to guide his bets.
Investigators say Van Dyke placed about 13 separate bets over several days, just before and during the timeline of the operation. After the outcome aligned with his predictions, he reportedly earned over $400,000 in profits. Authorities also claim he attempted to move the funds through cryptocurrency channels and online brokerage accounts in an effort to hide their origin.
He now faces multiple federal charges, including fraud, theft of government information, and misuse of classified data. Officials say the case highlights serious concerns about the use of confidential intelligence for personal financial gain within the military.
Prosecutors emphasized that individuals entrusted with national security information are expected to protect it, not exploit it for profit. The case is set to proceed in court in North Carolina, where Van Dyke will make his initial appearance.
A related regulatory complaint has also been filed seeking financial penalties and recovery of the alleged illegal gains.
Authorities say investigations into prediction market activity involving sensitive global events are ongoing as concerns grow about insider access being used for betting purposes.
