CIA officer admits to creating fake top secret government program to steal over $190 million, including gold bars
Former CIA officer David Rush pleaded guilty to wire fraud after stealing nearly $200 million, including gold bars.
Former CIA officer David J. Rush pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud for fabricating a top-secret special access program and diverting U.S. government funds. Prosecutors say he lied about his background to join the agency and, during 2025, used his authority to act as his own approving official. The scheme induced an unnamed defense contractor to buy gold that Rush kept; agents found more than $46 million in gold bars plus cars, watches, and over $2 million in cash. He faces up to 20 years and is scheduled to be sentenced in late January 2027.
- David Rush pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud
- He fabricated a compartmented continuity-of-government program
- The scheme diverted nearly $200 million, including gold bars
- Agents found more than $46 million in gold at his home
- Sentencing is set for late January 2027, with up to 20 years
- Victims
- U.S. government
- Countries
- United States
From the original article
2 min read at techcrunch.com
CIA officer David Rush, who worked on highly sensitive intelligence programs, reached a plea deal with U. S. prosecutors after he was caught siphoning money and gold with a fake government contract.
By Zack Whittaker · techcrunch.com
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