Former CIA official faces federal charges after allegedly stealing hundreds of gold bars worth over $40 million; authorities describe him as a master manipulator.
Federal authorities have seized more than 300 gold bars, about $2 million in cash and dozens of luxury watches from a former CIA official amid an embezzlement probe. Investigators say the suspect claimed work-related expenses and alleged Navy Reserve service, with charges including theft of public funds.
The CIA-investigated case centers on David Rush, a former CIA officer, who has been arrested after investigators found 303 gold bars, $2 million in cash, and dozens of luxury watches in his Virginia home. He has allegedly used a fake special access program and falsified credentials to obtain funds for work-related expenses between November 2025 and March 2026. The FBI and CIA are pursuing the case, with detention ordered as flight risk is cited.