Federal authorities took decisive action Thursday as the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of a U.S. special operations soldier accused of exploiting classified information for personal profit in a high-stakes betting scheme tied to the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

According to officials, Gannon Ken Van Dyke allegedly used sensitive, nonpublic information to place bets on a prediction market platform, generating more than $400,000 in profits. The swift federal response underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance on the misuse of classified intelligence and reinforces its commitment to safeguarding national security.

Prosecutors charged Van Dyke with multiple serious offenses, including unlawful use of confidential government information, fraud, and theft of nonpublic data. Authorities say he also attempted to conceal his actions by altering account details and deleting digital records — actions that further strengthened the case against him.

The investigation, launched after suspicious trading activity was flagged, highlights effective coordination between federal agencies and private-sector partners. The platform involved cooperated fully with authorities, demonstrating how public-private collaboration can help detect and prevent financial misconduct tied to sensitive government operations.

Officials emphasized that the case sends a clear message: individuals entrusted with national security responsibilities will be held fully accountable if they attempt to exploit their positions for personal gain.

The arrest also marks a significant step in addressing emerging risks linked to prediction markets, as federal prosecutors continue to adapt enforcement tools to new financial technologies.

Through this action, the Justice Department reaffirmed its role in protecting the integrity of U.S. institutions, ensuring transparency, and maintaining public trust in both national security operations and financial systems.