Story perspectives

US Charges Soldier $400K Maduro Capture Bet, CFTC Warns Cuts

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. authorities charged Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke with $400,000 profit from bets on Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
The Justice Department and CFTC allege Van Dyke broke the Commodity Exchange Act and money-laundering laws, 20 years.
Polymarket reported Van Dyke’s account while Kalshi refunded $2.2 million and barred three candidates who bet on own races.
CFTC Chair Michael Selig warned a 24% staff cut threatens enforcement despite a $410 million budget request.

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Story summary

U.S. authorities charged Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke with $400,000 profit from bets on Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
The Justice Department and CFTC allege Van Dyke broke the Commodity Exchange Act and money-laundering laws, 20 years.
Polymarket reported Van Dyke’s account while Kalshi refunded $2.2 million and barred three candidates who bet on own races.
CFTC Chair Michael Selig warned a 24% staff cut threatens enforcement despite a $410 million budget request.