A U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sergeant is facing major federal charges in a case that highlights the dangerous intersection of national security secrets and online prediction markets.

Gannon Ken Van Dyke, 38, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Manhattan federal court. Prosecutors allege that Van Dyke, who participated in planning and executing “Operation Absolute Resolve,” used his access to classified information about the U.S. mission to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to generate substantial profits on the Polymarket platform.

According to the indictment, Van Dyke placed around $33,000 in bets in the weeks before the January 3, 2026, raid. He reportedly wagered on things like Maduro being removed from power and possible U.S. military involvement in Venezuela. When the mission succeeded and the news broke, his bets reportedly paid out more than $409,000.

Van Dyke, a U.S. Army Master Sergeant in Special Forces who has served since 2008, now faces serious federal charges. These include unlawful use of confidential government information for personal gain, theft of nonpublic information, commodities fraud, wire fraud, and unlawful monetary transactions. He was released on $250,000 bail with travel restrictions.

This case stands out as one of the most high-profile examples of alleged insider trading in prediction markets involving government secrets.

International Criminal Defense in Federal Court

When you’re dealing with classified information, national security, or major federal fraud charges, you need a lawyer who truly knows how to handle these cases. The government usually throws everything they have at these prosecutions, multiple agencies, huge resources, all to send a strong message.

For service members, government contractors, or anyone with access to sensitive information, the stakes are incredibly high: long prison sentences, massive fines, loss of security clearance, destroyed careers, lost military benefits, and major travel restrictions that can last for years.

At Bukh Law, our team of federal criminal defense attorneys has successfully defended clients in complex, high-stakes cases involving national security and cross-border issues. Led by Arkady Bukh, we combine aggressive defense strategies with a deep understanding of how these investigations work from the inside.

If you or a loved one is under investigation or already facing similar federal charges, reach out to us today.

Just leave your contact information on our website form for a confidential consultation. We’ll give you straight answers and strong representation when it matters most.