image sourced from original article at A United States soldier has been charged in federal court in Manhattan with using classified information to place profitable bets on a political prediction platform. Prosecutors allege that Van Dyke used sensitive details about a planned mission targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to wager on the outcome of events tied to the operation.
According to the indictment, Van Dyke was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and had access to nonpublic information while involved in planning the mission, known as Operation Absolute Resolve. Between late December 2025 and early January 2026, he allegedly placed about 33000 dollars in bets related to potential military action in Venezuela and Maduro's removal from power.
Authorities claim the bets ultimately generated roughly 400000 dollars in profits. The charges highlight concerns about the misuse of insider military intelligence for personal financial gain.
