A United States Army soldier has been charged with multiple federal offences after allegedly using classified military intelligence to place bets on a covert mission involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

According to U.S. prosecutors, the soldier, identified as Gannon Ken Van Dyke, is accused of exploiting sensitive information obtained through his role in a classified operation to wager on outcomes linked to the mission.

Authorities say the bets were placed on Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-based platform that allows users to speculate on real-world events. Investigators allege that the accused placed wagers between late 2025 and early 2026, accurately predicting key developments, including the involvement of U.S. forces and the eventual capture of Maduro.

By leveraging insider knowledge, he reportedly generated profits exceeding $400,000. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed charges including wire fraud, theft of government property, and unlawful use of classified information. If convicted, the soldier could face decades in prison.

Officials described the case as a serious breach of trust, warning that misuse of classified intelligence for personal financial gain undermines military discipline and could compromise sensitive operations.

The case has also drawn attention to the rapid rise of prediction markets like Polymarket, with regulators increasingly concerned about the potential for insider abuse, particularly in matters involving national security.

The broader operation involving Nicolás Maduro remains controversial, with limited details disclosed due to its classified nature, but it has intensified scrutiny over the intersection of military secrecy and digital financial platforms.