Ex-CIA Official Pleads Guilty to $194 Million Fraud Involving Gold Bars

Former CIA official David J. Rush pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud after admitting that he defrauded the US government of approximately $194 million through schemes involving fictitious government programs, luxury properties and gold bars.

A gold rush. Former CIA official David J. Rush pleaded guilty to wire fraud after admitting to a scheme that caused approximately $194 million in losses to the US government.

Rush, 49, of Ashburn, Virginia, used his government position to create fictitious authorities, including a fabricated Special Access Program, to obtain government funds for his personal benefit, according to the US Department of Justice.

Prosecutors said Rush directed approximately $145 million in wire transfers that he ultimately used to purchase luxury real estate in Florida, watches and vehicles.

A second scheme involved the fraudulent acquisition of gold bars.

After claiming that the bars were required for a purported government program, Rush obtained 298 gold bars.

The FBI recovered the bars during a search of his home on May 19. The gold had cost the government approximately $46 million.

Investigators also recovered about $2.1 million in cash, €104,795 and numerous luxury watches. Rush has agreed to forfeit the gold, cash, properties, watches and vehicles identified in his plea agreement.

Rush also admitted that approximately $1.8 million in government-funded charter flights were for his personal benefit.

The Justice Department said Rush fraudulently obtained approximately $193.59 million in government funds. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2027.