A US special forces soldier has been arrested after allegedly using classified military information to profit from bets placed before the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro became public.
According to the US Department of Justice, the soldier, identified as Gannon Ken Van Dyke, is accused of placing a series of trades on a prediction platform while directly involved in planning the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest in January. Prosecutors say he used sensitive, nonpublic information to anticipate the outcome and timing of the mission.
Investigators allege that Van Dyke created an account in late December 2025 and placed multiple transactions linked to political developments in Venezuela. In total, he reportedly invested more than $33,000 and generated profits exceeding $400,000 once the operation was carried out.
The military operation, carried out overnight on 3 January, resulted in Maduro and his wife being taken into custody in Caracas and transferred to the United States to face charges, which they deny.
Authorities say the soldier attempted to conceal his actions after the event, but the unusual trading activity drew attention. The platform involved later alerted investigators and cooperated with the inquiry.
Van Dyke now faces multiple charges, including fraud, misuse of confidential government information, and unlawful financial transactions. Officials stressed that members of the military are strictly prohibited from using classified intelligence for personal gain, regardless of the platform used.
The case is drawing wider attention because it highlights the growing risks linked to the misuse of sensitive information in emerging digital markets. Regulators have warned that existing laws still apply, even as new technologies create new opportunities for abuse.
If convicted, the soldier could face significant prison time as the case proceeds in a federal court.
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