Google Engineer Charged with Insider Trading on Polymarket

Michele Spagnuolo, a Google information security engineer, has been charged with insider trading after allegedly profiting $1.2 million by placing bets on Polymarket using confidential data from Google's Year in Search report. Between October and December 2025, Spagnuolo used his access to internal data to make informed bets on the most-searched individuals, including D4vd and Kendrick Lamar. The FBI's investigation revealed that Spagnuolo attempted to launder his winnings through various cryptocurrency transactions. He was arrested in New York and faces multiple charges, including commodities fraud and money laundering. Google has placed him on leave and is cooperating with law enforcement. The case highlights the risks associated with insider information in prediction markets.

Key Points: • Michele Spagnuolo allegedly made $1.2 million using insider information from Google. • He accessed confidential data to place bets on Polymarket, breaching company policies. • Spagnuolo faces charges including money laundering and commodities fraud.