BBC Profiles US Soldier Accused of Betting on Maduro's Removal
The BBC profiled the US soldier under investigation by the military for wagering on online prediction markets that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro would be removed from office. The case surfaces as US-Venezuela tensions escalate again.
The BBC published a profile of the US service member under military discipline review for placing wagers on online prediction markets. According to the report, the soldier had taken positions on platforms such as Polymarket that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro would leave office by year-end. The army cited internal regulations barring active personnel from profiting on political outcomes.
The case surfaces as the Trump administration steps up pressure on Venezuela and expands its military footprint in the region. Washington deployed two aircraft carriers in the Caribbean last month, prompting the Venezuelan government to say operations posed a direct threat. Caracas described the soldier's wagering as "evidence of regime-change plans."
The US Department of Defense did not issue an official statement. Maduro contracts on prediction markets have swung sharply in recent weeks. The BBC said the soldier's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. It remains unclear whether the inquiry will lead to court-martial proceedings.
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