A U.S. soldier accused of placing a bet on a raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and winning $400,000 has pleaded not guilty in federal court. The soldier, Gannon Ken Van Dyke, appeared before a judge in New York on Monday, where he entered his plea.
Details of the Case
According to court documents, Van Dyke allegedly used inside information to place a wager on a U.S.-backed operation aimed at apprehending Maduro. The raid, which took place in 2020, ultimately failed, but Van Dyke reportedly won $400,000 from the bet. Prosecutors say the soldier violated federal laws by using classified information for personal gain.
Legal Proceedings
Van Dyke's attorney argued that the charges are unprecedented and that his client did not commit any crime. The soldier faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The case has drawn attention due to its unusual nature, involving a U.S. military member and a high-stakes bet on a covert operation.
The next court hearing is scheduled for June 2026. Van Dyke remains free on bail pending trial.
