Insider Information Scandal: US Soldier Held for Wagering on Secret Venezuela Mission

A member of the United States Special Forces, Master Sergeant Gannon Kane Van Dyke, has been arrested on charges of placing bets related to a covert military operation aimed at capturing Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. Authorities allege that he earned approximately $409,000 (around ₹4 crore) through these wagers. Van Dyke, who serves in the elite US Army Special Forces unit known as the Green Berets, was reportedly aware of confidential details regarding the mission in Venezuela. The unit had carried out an operation in the country that resulted in the capture of President Maduro. Investigators believe that Van Dyke used this privileged information to place bets in advance. According to findings, Van Dyke created an account on a prediction-based platform called Polymarket in late December. The platform allows users to bet on the outcomes of future global events. At the time, there was little public expectation that a military operation would be launched against Venezuela by December 2025 or that President Maduro would be captured. Investigators state that Van Dyke placed a total of 13 bets amounting to $32,000 on related outcomes, including scenarios involving Maduro’s removal from power and the possibility of US military action in Venezuela. Despite the high-risk nature of these bets, his alleged access to insider information gave him confidence in the outcome. Following the successful execution of the operation, the predictions proved accurate, resulting in substantial financial gains for Van Dyke. The unusual nature of the winnings reportedly raised suspicion among authorities, ultimately leading to his arrest. The case is now under investigation, focusing on the misuse of classified information and potential violations of military and legal standards.