FBI Raids Polymarket CEO Following Donald Trump's Victory Prediction

Highlights

FBI raided Polymarket CEO’s home, seizing his devices a week after the platform accurately predicted Trump’s win.
Sources claim the raid was political retaliation for Polymarket’s accurate election prediction, potentially linked to market manipulation accusations.
Polymarket’s election predictions marked a "vindication" of prediction markets, as it legally offered bets on the election outcome.

The FBI confiscated Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan’s phone and electronics early Wednesday morning, just a week after the platform accurately predicted Donald Trump’s presidential victory.

According to the sources, law enforcement officers arrived at the 26-year-old entrepreneur’s Soho residence at 6:00 a.m., demanding his devices.

FBI Raids Polymarket CEO’s Home After Platform Accurately Predicted Trump Election Victory

In an early morning raid on Wednesday, the FBI seized the phone and electronics of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan, just a week after the platform’s election betting correctly predicted President-elect Donald Trump’s victory.

[🌲] FBI seizes Polymarket CEO’s phone, electronics after betting platform predicts Trump win according to sources: NYP

— Tree News (@News_Of_Alpha) November 13, 2024

At 6:00 a.m., police appeared at the 26-year-old entrepreneur’s Soho residence and commanded his devices. A source close to the matter described the raid as “political theatre” because law enforcement could have requested what they asked for through attorneys.

The government might consider political retaliation against the now-accurate market that predicted Trump’s victory, a source said. That’s what the government could say: ‘It’s market manipulation, or rigging for Trump to win,’ the source said.

Polymarket is a free public prediction market meant to shine light on events like elections. The spokesperson said: “We do not collect any fees, do not take positions in any markets, and publish our markets’ data for free.”.

For his part, the source said that Coplan was not arrested at the time of the incident.

Acting As a Key Indicator Ahead of Official Election Call

When polls closed one election night, Polymarket had the odds of a Trump victory at roughly 58%. As the night wore on, his odds began to climb. By 11:43 p.m., nearly six hours before the Associated Press called the election-his odds sat at 95%.

Coplan posted on X early Wednesday, saying reports indicated the Trump campaign knew of their victory through Polymarket’s prediction. For a month before the election, Trump led Vice President Kamala Harris in prediction markets, with his odds at 67%. Conventional polls never showed a clear leader, with neither candidate breaking the margin of error in key states.

Coplan called the result a “vindication” of prediction markets, proving the site as “the most accurate way to follow the election.” This election marked the first time Americans could legally bet on the outcome. In early October, a federal court ruled in favor of Kalshi, allowing election event contracts.

Be it as it may, this is not the first problem Polymarket has with the government. Recently it was announced it is likely for it to be prohibited by France’s gambling regulator, the ANJ, after a huge amount of bets were placed on the 2024 US presidential election.

TAGS
Polymarket

Recommended
Price Analysis

Best Crypto Presales To Invest In September 2025 – Top Upcoming Presale Tokens

Best Crypto AI Trading Bots In 2025

Top Meme Coins To Buy In September 2025

Teuta Franjkovic

Teuta is a seasoned writer and editor with over 15 years of expertise in macroeconomics, technology, and the crypto and blockchain sectors. She began her career in 2005 as a lifestyle writer for *Cosmopolitan* before transitioning to business and economic reporting for renowned outlets like *Forbes* and *Bloomberg*. Inspired by thought leaders like Don and Alex Tapscott and Laura Shin, Teuta embraced blockchain's potential, viewing cryptocurrency as one of humanity's most transformative innovations. Since 2014, she has specialized in fintech, focusing on crypto, blockchain, NFTs, and Web3. Known for her strong collaboration and communication skills, Teuta also holds dual MAs in Political Science and Law.

Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.

Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.