An IDF reservist and a civilian have been formally charged after allegedly exploiting classified military intelligence to place wagers on the online prediction platform Polymarket, Israeli authorities disclosed Thursday.

According to a joint announcement by the Defense Ministry’s Director of Security, the Shin Bet, and the Israel Police, the case emerged from a coordinated investigation that resulted in the detention of several individuals, including reserve soldiers. Investigators say the suspects placed bets on Polymarket “based on classified information to which the reservists were exposed by virtue of their military roles.”

The indictments follow earlier reporting by Kan News, which revealed that security bodies were probing suspicions that members of the defense establishment had leveraged sensitive information to gamble on the site. Among the events reportedly wagered on was the timing of Israel’s initial strike against Iran during the 12-day conflict in June 2025.

Officials declined to provide specifics about the precise nature of the bets tied to the indictment.

Authorities confirmed that on Monday, prosecutors filed charges against one reservist and one civilian for “severe security offenses,” along with bribery and obstruction of justice. The prosecution has asked the court to keep the defendants in custody through the duration of the proceedings.

A sweeping gag order issued by the court continues to restrict the publication of additional information related to the affair.

In their statement, security officials warned of the broader implications of such conduct. “The defense establishment emphasizes that placing such bets, based on secret and classified information, poses a real security risk to IDF operations and to the security of the state,” the statement read. It further stressed that authorities regard “the acts attributed to the defendants with utmost severity and will act decisively to thwart and bring to justice anyone involved in the unlawful use of classified information.”

The IDF said it is treating the matter with the highest level of seriousness, while clarifying that “no operational harm was caused.”

“This constitutes a severe ethical failure and a clear crossing of a red line,” the military said in a statement, adding that the alleged actions “are not in line with IDF values and what is expected of servicemembers.”

The army also noted that it “steps have been taken and procedures will be sharpened across all IDF units, with the aim of preventing the recurrence of similar cases.”

Kan previously reported that a Polymarket user operating under the name ricosuave666 made a series of highly accurate wagers in June 2025 related to Israeli military activity in Iran. The individual reportedly staked tens of thousands of dollars and ultimately earned approximately $150,000.

Polymarket is considered one of the world’s largest prediction market platforms, enabling users to bet on future developments using cryptocurrency, credit and debit cards, or bank transfers.

In recent years, prediction markets have grown dramatically in popularity, allowing participants to gamble on the probability of an expanding range of global events. While some users have posted significant gains, many others incur steady losses. The platform has faced allegations of manipulation and insider trading.

Last month, attention also focused on a trader whose major wagers were placed just hours before US President Donald Trump announced a surprise overnight operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. The close timing of the bets and the trader’s limited overall activity on the site fueled online speculation about possible insider trading.

Substantial sums have likewise been placed on predictions related to a potential new American strike on Iran.

Over recent months, users have collectively won and lost tens of millions of dollars as anticipated strike dates came and went. Current odds on the platform estimate a 53 percent chance of a US airstrike on Iran by June 30, less than 1 percent if it occurs this Thursday, and 1 percent for Friday.

Additional millions of dollars have been wagered on the prospect of the removal of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.