A shocking new case involving streamer and singer D4vd has attracted attention online, after a Google employee was arrested for using secret company data to make money from online betting. Federal prosecutors say the employee used private Google search information to place bets on the prediction website Polymarket. These bets were linked to D4vd becoming one of the most searched for on Google in 2025. Authorities claim the man made nearly $1.2 million from the bets after risking less than $1,000.The employee was identified as Michele Spagnuolo, an Italian national who worked as a software engineer at Google. According to court documents, Spagnuolo allegedly had access to Google’s internal “Year in Search” Before the data becomes public. Prosecutors say they saw D4vd surpass rapper Kendrick Lamar as the most searched person on Google in 2025. Shortly thereafter, he allegedly placed several bets using an account called Polymarket. “Alpharecoon.”
Google engineer accused of using secret search data in D4vd-related betting
Officials say the betting market gave D4vd almost no chance of becoming the number one searched person on Google that year. Because of this, there was huge payout potential at stake. Prosecutors believe Spagnuolo used private information from his job to falsely win bets before anyone else knew the search results. Officials also claim that he later tried to hide where the money came from.Spagnuolo was arrested in New York and charged with money laundering, wire fraud and commodities fraud. He appeared before a federal judge but did not enter a plea during the hearing. He was later released on $2.25 million bond pending the continuation of the case, reports said.D4vd itself was not accused of participating in the betting scheme. However, his name became a major part of the investigation as stakes focused on his popularity in Google searches. The streamer and singer is currently in jail after being accused of the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in April 2025. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to the charge.The case has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories online as it combines tech companies, online betting and Internet fame into a single investigation. More updates are expected as the legal case progresses.