Norwegian Authorities Investigate Suspicious Polymarket Bets on Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Norwegian authorities are investigating potential information leaks after significant betting activity occurred on Polymarket regarding the Nobel Peace Prize outcome just hours before the official announcement. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her democratic activism, experienced a notable surge in prediction market bets favoring her victory shortly before the public revelation, according to Bloomberg reports. The betting volume was so substantial that Polymarket's official social media channels commented on the unusual activity. Blockchain data reveals one trader using the handle "dirtycup" placed approximately $70,000 in wagers on Machado and realized nearly $30,000 in profits without additional market exposure. The account had been established mere weeks prior with no previous betting history. Two additional accounts exclusively betting on Machado collectively earned $90,000, as reported by Norwegian financial outlet Finansavisen. "We treat this matter with utmost seriousness," stated Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute. "Evidence suggests criminal exploitation of confidential information for financial gain." Although Nobel Peace Prize deliberations are renowned for their confidentiality, the selection committee had reportedly finalized their decision several days earlier and is currently reviewing security protocols. Polymarket enables users to speculate on real-world events ranging from political elections to entertainment news, with platform founder Shayne Coplan achieving young billionaire status following a $2 billion investment from NYSE owners.