Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

DoJ Indicts Soldier for $409K Insider Bets on Venezuela Raid

4/24/2026

32 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The DOJ indicted Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke for allegedly using classified information to place $33,034 in bets that earned over $409,000 after the raid on Venezuela’s leader.
Polymarket identified the user, referred the case to the DOJ, and said insider trading is prohibited on its platform.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was unaware, would look into the matter, and expressed displeasure with the betting.

History

Historical Context

After the FBI arrested Galleon Group founder Raj Rajaratnam on October 16 2009 and the DOJ sentenced him to 11 years in 2011 with over $150 million in penalties, the case became a benchmark for prosecuting illicit market bets. That precedent underpins today’s indictment of Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke for wagering on Venezuela’s leader, prompting renewed DOJ scrutiny.

1 of 2

Story summary

The DOJ indicted Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke for allegedly using classified information to place $33,034 in bets that earned over $409,000 after the raid on Venezuela’s leader.
Polymarket identified the user, referred the case to the DOJ, and said insider trading is prohibited on its platform.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was unaware, would look into the matter, and expressed displeasure with the betting.

1 / 2