A series of highly targeted bets on Polymarket generated more than $630,000 in profits shortly before reports emerged about the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Blockchain analysts flagged the trades as unusual due to their timing, size, and narrow focus on contracts linked solely to Maduro’s removal.
The activity has intensified concerns that prediction markets could be exploited by individuals with access to sensitive or non-public information.
On 4 January, blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain reported that three newly created digital wallets were responsible for the winning wagers.
The wallets were funded only days before the event and showed no previous trading activity on Polymarket or other markets.
Each wallet placed bets exclusively on outcomes tied to political developments involving the Venezuelan president.
One wallet, identified as 0x31a5, reportedly staked around $34,000 and secured close to $410,000 in profit.
A second wallet turned an investment of roughly $25,000 into about $145,600 within a short period.
A third wallet converted a smaller bet of approximately $5,800 into nearly $75,000.