FBI finds 303 gold bars in the home of former CIA official accused of fraud
Federal authorities investigate alleged fraud and theft scheme linked to former agent David Rush
A former CIA official was arrested after FBI agents allegedly found more than $40 million in gold bars inside his home, amid a federal investigation into fraud and theft of public funds.
The detainee was identified as David Rush, who remains in custody while prosecutors and defense attorneys gather additional information before a hearing scheduled for June 5 in federal court in Virginia.
According to court documents cited by US media, the case began after an internal CIA investigation that detected possible irregularities related to requests for government resources and falsified records.
FBI finds gold, cash and luxury watches
According to the criminal complaint, federal agents conducted a search on May 18 and located approximately 303 gold bars valued at more than $40 million. They also found nearly $2 million in cash and 35 luxury watches.
In a joint statement, the FBI and CIA said Rush was arrested after the intelligence agency detected “possible violations of the law.”
The authorities assure that between November 2025 and March of this year, the former official requested large amounts of foreign currency and gold bars supposedly intended for operations related to his work. However, the CIA was unable to determine the use of these resources or subsequently locate the assets.
They accuse false titles and invented military careers
The FBI also maintains that Rush lied for years about his educational background and military experience to obtain positions within the federal government and access security clearances.
“The FBI investigation revealed that Rush's applications contained false information about his educational background and his work in the military,” the affidavit filed in court states.
According to investigators, Rush falsely claimed to have graduated from Clemson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Naval Postgraduate School. He would also have invented experience as a naval pilot and senior military officials.
Rush's defense, led by attorney Jessica Carmichael, declined to comment on the case.