Ex-CIA official admits to $194 million fraud scheme involving gold bars

Former CIA official David Rush pleaded guilty Tuesday to a $194 million fraud scheme that allowed him to acquire hundreds of gold bars and luxury properties in Florida.

Rush, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. Prosecutors said Rush exploited his senior government position and access to highly classified programs to invent government authorities and steer taxpayer money toward assets he ultimately controlled.

“David Rush abused his position and betrayed the public trust and should be held fully accountable for his actions,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe said. “We appreciate our law enforcement partners in the FBI and Department of Justice for securing this outcome. The Agency is committed to ensuring that those entrusted with our Nation’s secrets are held to the absolute highest standard.”

Rush held a top-secret/sensitive compartmented information clearance and worked at the senior executive level. Ratcliffe said an internal investigation prompted the CIA to refer the matter to the FBI.

According to the Department of Justice, Rush created fake government authorities, including a bogus special access program, to obtain federal funds. He directed approximately $145 million through a series of wire transfers and ultimately used the money to acquire luxury real estate, watches, and at least one vehicle.

In a separate part of the scheme, Rush fabricated a purported sensitive government operation to justify purchasing gold bars. The DOJ said the gold alone cost the government $46 million.

The scale of Rush’s purchases became apparent after FBI agents searched his Ashburn home on May 19. Investigators recovered 298 gold bars, about $2.1 million in cash, more than 104,000 euros, and numerous luxury watches, many of which were Rolexes.

In this image provided and annotated by the Alexandria’s Sheriff’s Office, David J. Rush is seen in his booking photo in Alexandria, Virginia. (Alexandria Sheriff)

“Rush betrayed his oath, his co-workers, and the American people and he will now face justice for his actions,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “This plea demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to protecting the public’s trust; and that no government position, security clearance, or access to government resources places anyone above the law.”

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The DOJ also said Rush lied about his education and military experience as he advanced through the government, falsely claiming he had been a pilot in the military and earned degrees from a public university in South Carolina and a doctoral degree in New York.

Rush is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 28. He faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution, forfeiture, and a fine.

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