Kalshi, a prominent prediction market platform, has taken action against two users for engaging in insider trading, including an employee associated with social media influencer MrBeast. The firm revealed on February 25, 2026, that it has been investigating over 200 cases of insider trading, with more than a dozen currently active.
One of the individuals penalized is Artem Kaptur, who worked as a visual effects editor for MrBeast, whose real name is James Donaldson. Kaptur reportedly placed $4,000 in trades related to events on the MrBeast show, leading to a two-year suspension and a fine exceeding $20,000.
In a statement, Beast Industries, the company behind MrBeast, emphasized its commitment to ethical standards, stating, “We have a longstanding policy in place against employees using proprietary company information which safeguards the highest standards and ethics throughout our organization.” The company has also initiated an independent investigation into the matter.
Kalshi, regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), strictly prohibits insider trading. The platform highlighted that both Kaptur and another user, Kyle Langford, violated its user policy. Langford, who placed a $200 bet on his own candidacy for California governor and publicized it on social media, received a five-year ban and was fined ten times the amount of his trade.
Langford, who is now running for Congress, did not respond to requests for comment. The CFTC noted that it can investigate violations of U.S. law, and its chairman, Mike Selig, expressed satisfaction with Kalshi’s enforcement actions, stating, “If you attempt to engage in manipulation, fraud, or insider trading, we will find you and take action.”
Kalshi’s internal rules, while not explicitly detailed in its member agreement, allow for penalties that aim to deter future violations. The recent cases underscore ongoing concerns about the regulation of prediction markets, as the CFTC works on establishing clearer rules in this area.
In a recent interview, Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour discussed the complexities of defining insider trading, using a hypothetical scenario involving a Super Bowl performance to illustrate the challenges. He reiterated the company’s commitment to enforcement while acknowledging the need for clearer regulations.
Kalshi has penalized two users, including a MrBeast employee, for insider trading activities. The actions highlight ongoing regulatory challenges in prediction markets as the CFTC seeks to establish clearer guidelines.