Trader Nets $400K on Venezuela Political Bet Amid Insider Trading Concerns
A Polymarket trader capitalized on speculation surrounding Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's potential ouster, turning a $1,238 New Year's Eve wager into a $400,000 windfall. The bets, placed between December 31, 2025, and January 31, 2026, have ignited debates about insider trading in prediction markets.
Congressional scrutiny intensified as Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) drafted legislation to ban federal officials from trading on non-public information in these markets. The proposal targets lawmakers, appointees, and executive branch staff with access to material undisclosed data.
Social media erupted with theories about the trader's identity, ranging from joking references to Barron TRUMP to serious concerns about privileged information. Commentator Joe Pompliano highlighted how prediction markets may incentivize improper advantage, echoing researcher Tyson Brody's earlier suspicions.