US Army soldier charged for using classified information to facilitate 0,000 gambling operation related to Maduro.
A U.S. Army soldier has been charged with misuse of classified information tied to a military operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The charges, announced on Thursday, include theft of nonpublic government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud, and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. Gannon Ken Van Dyke, 38, from Fayetteville, North Carolina, allegedly secured over 0,000 in illicit gambling winnings by leveraging insider knowledge of Operation Absolute Resolve.
The operation, which involves U.S. military actions in Venezuela, granted Van Dyke access to sensitive details that he was required to protect under nondisclosure agreements. According to Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, Van Dyke exploited his position to place online bets predicting the timing and outcome of military developments involving Venezuela. The allegations indicate a severe breach of trust, as military personnel are expected to safeguard national secrets and not utilize such information for personal gain.
Beginning on December 8, 2025, Van Dyke participated in the operation’s planning, which mandated stringent adherence to preserving classified information about U.S. military strategies. Contrary to these obligations, he reportedly turned to Polymarket, a prediction marketplace where users can wager on various real-world events. Van Dyke placed ,034 across 13 separate bets, including predictions about the U.S. potentially invading Venezuela and the removal of Maduro from office by January 31, 2026. He expressed confidence in these outcomes, betting affirmatively on both scenarios.
The situation escalated on January 3, following President Trump’s announcement of the apprehension of Maduro and his wife by U.S. special forces in Caracas. This development resulted in Van Dyke winning a substantial amount, approximately 9,881, from his illegal bets. Subsequently, unusual trading patterns concerning the Maduro contracts attracted scrutiny, leading Van Dyke to contact Polymarket, requesting the deletion of his account in an attempt to obscure his involvement.
If convicted, Van Dyke faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The case underscores the serious implications of breach of trust within the military and highlights the risks related to insider knowledge in gambling contexts. The ongoing investigation reflects a commitment to uphold the integrity of national security protocols and the legal repercussions for those who violate them. Media News Source reports that this matter will continue to unfold in the courts, as authorities take decisive action to address such allegations of misconduct.
