NEW YORK, NY – April 23, 2026 – Gannon Ken Van Dyke, an active-duty U.S. Army service member from North Carolina, has been charged with insider trading by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges Van Dyke illegally profited from nonpublic information related to a classified U.S. military operation.
According to the CFTC, Van Dyke was involved in “Operation Absolute Resolve,” a planned operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Through his involvement, Van Dyke gained access to confidential details about the operation. Between December 30, 2025, and January 2, 2026, the CFTC alleges Van Dyke used this classified information to purchase over 436,000 “Yes” shares in the “Maduro Out by January 31, 2026?” contract on the Polymarket.com prediction market, operating under the handle “Burdensome-Mix.”
The CFTC complaint details that Van Dyke generated profits exceeding $404,000 through this illicit trading activity. Chairman Michael S. Selig stated the CFTC will pursue the full extent of the law against anyone engaging in fraud or insider trading. Director of Enforcement David I. Miller emphasized the breach of trust by a government employee and the risk posed to national security and service members.
This case marks a significant precedent for the CFTC, representing the first time charges have been brought for insider trading involving event contracts and the first application of the “Eddie Murphy Rule” – a legal principle used to prosecute misuse of government information. The CFTC is seeking restitution, disgorgement of profits, civil monetary penalties, trading and registration bans, and a permanent injunction against Van Dyke.
In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has also unsealed an indictment against Van Dyke, alleging similar conduct. The CFTC acknowledged the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this matter. The investigation highlights the CFTC’s commitment to policing illegal activity, including the use of inside information in prediction markets.
Source: CFTC.gov
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