Polymarket says the platform has banned the accounts of those who were involved in threatening Fabian|@Polymarket|X
A war correspondent at The Times of Israel received death threats after his reporting influenced high-stakes bets on Polymarket.
The 28-year-old journalist, Emanuel Fabian, reported that an Iranian missile struck an open area near Jerusalem on March 10. Soon after, strangers began threatening him. They said he reported the incident incorrectly, claiming the explosion in the video was caused by part of an interceptor missile.
Fabian was being asked to change his report, as millions of dollars depended on whether the strike was confirmed.
Threats escalate over bets
Initially, he was politely asked for updates. But messages soon turned hostile, including warnings against his family. Fabian found out that the threats were coming from Polymarket bettors who wagered on whether Iran would strike Israel, with more than $14 million riding on March 10.
Fabian refused to alter his story. He alerted the police and published an account exposing the intimidation. He said giving in would encourage further manipulation of journalists.
Polymarket says it has banned the accounts of those who threatened Fabian.
Growing security on prediction markets
Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are facing increasing criticism. US lawmakers are now pushing reforms, warning that such markets may create dangerous incentives, including attempts to influence real-world reporting for financial gain.