Ex‑CIA officer David Rush, 49, pled guilty to a $200 million wire‑fraud scheme that involved embezzling government funds, stashing 298 gold bars, and selling luxury property in South Florida.
The raid that uncovered the gold, along with $2 million in cash and 35 luxury watches, was triggered after investigators learned that Rush had been submitting fraudulent expense reports for ‘work‑related’ purchases.
According to prosecutors, Rush fabricated a classified program that justified the acquisition of high‑value real estate, then used the proceeds of the scam to finance the property and other luxury items.
In addition, he admitted to passing classified CIA data to an unnamed foreign official, a breach that officials say could jeopardise a clandestine human source and national security.
The plea agreement requires the return of the gold, watches, two BMWs and roughly $39 million seized from Rush’s bank accounts, and he faces a maximum 20‑year sentence.
The case has prompted the CIA to place several senior officials on leave as the agency reviews the background‑check process that allowed Rush to secure top‑secret clearance.
