Israeli reservist civilian charged over classified Polymarket betting scheme
Israeli authorities have charged a military reservist and a civilian with using secret army information to place bets on the online prediction platform Polymarket, a case that has set off alarm bells inside the country’s defense establishment.
The indictments follow a joint probe carried out by the Defense Ministry, the Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Police. Investigators detained several people, among them reservists who had access to classified operational details during their service. Officials suspect some of that sensitive information was then used to make wagers tied to military activity.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against one reservist and one civilian in the Tel Aviv District Court. The offenses are described as “severe security offences,” along with bribery and obstruction of justice. Both defendants remain behind bars as the case moves forward. A court-imposed gag order is in place, limiting what can be publicly disclosed about the investigation.
In a statement approved for release, the investigative agencies warned that the alleged conduct created a tangible threat to Israel Defense Forces operations and to national security more broadly. Authorities said they regard the accusations with “utmost severity” and pledged to act decisively against any unlawful use of classified material.
How the Israeli reservist was allegedly found using Polymarket
Polymarket, based in the United States, allows users to trade on the likelihood of real-world events, including political and geopolitical developments. According to local media reports, suspicions arose that confidential military information may have been used to guide bets related to the timing or possibility of military action.
Security officials emphasize that engaging in such betting, relying on secret and classified information, poses a real security risk to IDF operations and to state security.
Israeli Police
While the precise nature of the wagers has not been made public, officials believe the trades were linked in some way to operational decisions or anticipated developments. Using inside knowledge of that kind, if proven, would not only breach military secrecy rules but could also compromise operational security.
Because of the publication ban, the names of the accused and additional details about the alleged activity have not been released. Defense officials have stressed that exploiting classified information for personal financial gain strikes at the heart of the military’s trust system and could undermine state interests.
Authorities have not indicated that any specific operation was harmed as a result of the alleged betting. Still, they have characterized the case as a serious ethical and security lapse.
ReadWrite has reached out to Polymarket for comment.
Featured image: Israeli Police via press release / Polymarket
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