Senior CIA official accused of stealing $40m in gold bars from agency

A senior CIA employee, David Rush, is accused of stealing 303 gold bars worth over $40 million and $2 million in foreign currency from a government storage space. The FBI affidavit states Rush allegedly made requests for these items for work-related expenses between November 2025 and March 2026. In addition to the gold and currency, a search of his home in Virginia uncovered 35 luxury watches. Rush is also charged with stealing public money by allegedly falsifying his educational qualifications and military service to obtain his CIA position, which he joined in 2009 and held a top-secret clearance. He is further accused of timecard fraud, claiming military leave he was not entitled to and misrepresenting his naval rank. Rush was arrested on May 19th, denied bond, and his court appearance has been postponed to next week.

A former senior CIA official, David Rush, has been arrested and accused of stealing over $40 million in gold bars and other valuables from the U.S. government. The FBI alleges that Rush repeatedly lied about his educational and military credentials in government job applications between 2009 and May 2026. He also falsely claimed military leave and compensation, and misrepresented his rank in the Navy Reserves. In late 2025 and early 2026, Rush requested and received a significant quantity of gold bars and foreign currency for work-related expenses, which were later found hidden in his home during an FBI search. The CIA initiated an internal investigation that led to the referral of the case to the FBI.