US Arrests Green Beret for Allegedly Betting on Venezuela Raid

A master sergeant in the US Army has been taken into custody by the Department of Justice for allegedly using classified information to make wagers on a military operation in Venezuela. Gannon Ken Van Dyke is accused of unlawful use of government information, theft, and fraud for placing $33,000 in bets and winning approximately $400,000 after the operation. The indictment claims Van Dyke created a Polymarket account and placed 13 bets between December 26, 2025, and January 2, 2026, on contracts related to the US military's actions in Venezuela. US Attorney Jay Clayton stated that Van Dyke's actions constitute 'clear insider trading' and are illegal under federal law. The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is also pursuing an insider trading complaint against Van Dyke. The defendant, an active-duty soldier with the US Army Special Forces, allegedly attempted to conceal his identity and withdrew his winnings after the operation. The case has drawn attention to the use of confidential information for personal gain, with US President Donald Trump expressing his disapproval of such activities.