Pentagon Issues New Rules Banning Internal Personnel from Betting on Military Outcomes Using Inside Information
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed an order prohibiting Pentagon personnel from using non-public information to place bets on the outcomes of U.S. military operations.
The prohibition applies to both classified intelligence and unclassified information lacking formal security markings. Violators may face disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.
Hegseth warned that foreign intelligence services could analyze betting patterns to anticipate U.S. military movements, operational objectives, and timing. Additionally, financial stakes in specific operation outcomes could compromise professional judgment among personnel.
In April this year, a U.S. special operations soldier involved in the mission targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was arrested. Prosecutors alleged that before public disclosure of the operation, the individual placed over $33,000 in bets on the Polymarket platform, ultimately profiting more than $409,000.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879810295728266/
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