TLDR
- DOJ charged Gannon Ken Van Dyke over Maduro-linked Polymarket bets.
- Prosecutors say he used classified information before Maduro’s capture.
- Van Dyke allegedly made about $409,881 from 13 Polymarket wagers.
- CFTC filed a parallel civil case seeking penalties and restitution.
- Polymarket said it referred the case to DOJ and cooperated.
A U.S. Army soldier has been arrested in a DOJ case tied to Polymarket betting. Prosecutors say Gannon Ken Van Dyke used secret military information before Nicolás Maduro’s capture. The case centers on wagers linked to U.S. action in Venezuela and Maduro’s removal.
DOJ charges soldier over Maduro linked Polymarket bets
The Department of Justice said Van Dyke was an active-duty U.S. Army soldier. Prosecutors said he took part in planning and carrying out the January operation to capture Maduro. They also said he used classified information for personal gain.
Van Dyke, 38, allegedly opened a Polymarket account in December. He then placed bets on Venezuela-related markets before the January 3 operation. Prosecutors said he spent more than $33,000 across 13 wagers.
US special forces soldier used secret intel for $400K winning Polymarket bet on Venezuelan dictator Maduro’s capture https://t.co/2nnjPPGjY3 pic.twitter.com/CMcly8FsZR
— New York Post (@nypost) April 23, 2026
The DOJ said the bets brought him about $409,881. The charges include commodities fraud, wire fraud, and unlawful monetary transaction. He also faces charges tied to confidential government information.
Prosecutors say classified information drove the wagers
Prosecutors said Van Dyke had signed nondisclosure agreements. They said he still used nonpublic information about U.S. operations. The wagers included whether Maduro would leave power by the end of January.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said, ”Our men and women in uniform are trusted with classified information.” He added that they cannot use it for personal financial gain.
The indictment also cited a photo from January 3. Prosecutors said it showed Van Dyke on a ship deck in military clothing. The filing said the photo was uploaded after Maduro was taken to the USS Iwo Jima.
CFTC files parallel case as Polymarket says it cooperated
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission also filed a civil complaint against Van Dyke. It seeks disgorgement, restitution, and civil penalties. CFTC Chair Michael Selig said the conduct endangered national security and service members.
Polymarket said it referred the matter to the DOJ. The platform said, ”Insider trading has no place on Polymarket.” It also said, ”Today’s arrest is proof the system works.”
The case comes as prediction markets face more review in Washington. Lawmakers have raised questions about bets tied to government action. The DOJ case now places Polymarket betting under closer legal attention.
