Ex-CIA official arrested after FBI allegedly finds $40M in gold bars, luxury watches at Virginia home
WASHINGTON, DC: Former CIA official David Rush has been arrested after FBI agents allegedly discovered more than $40 million worth of gold bars inside his Virginia home while investigating claims that he falsified parts of his military and educational background, according to court records and officials familiar with the matter.
Rush, who previously held a management role and had top-secret-level clearance, was charged with one count of theft of public money in a criminal complaint filed in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Court filings state that federal prosecutors and Rush’s attorneys have jointly requested delaying his detention hearing until June 5 while they “gather and evaluate additional information.”
Ex-CIA official arrested after $40M gold seizure
According to court documents, investigators allege that between November 2025 and March 2026, Rush submitted multiple requests to the government for large amounts of foreign currency and tens of millions of dollars in gold bars, claiming they were needed for official work-related purposes.
The complaint states that investigators later could not account for the location or intended use of much of the requested assets.
Federal agents searched Rush’s home on May 18 and allegedly recovered approximately 303 gold bars valued at more than $40 million, along with around $2 million in cash and 35 luxury watches, most identified as Rolex watches.
The affidavit filed by the FBI alleges that Rush knowingly diverted some of the requested funds and assets “for personal gain.”
The complaint does not specify the exact conduct tied to the theft charge, but investigators allege Rush obtained a “fraudulently inflated salary” and improperly claimed military leave compensation over several years.
In a joint statement, the FBI and CIA said the arrest followed a referral from the CIA after an internal review identified “potential violations of law.” The agencies added that the investigation remains ongoing.
“After a CIA internal investigation identified potential violations of the law, CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred the information to the FBI for a law enforcement investigation,” the agencies said in their statement.
“We are committed to following the facts, ensuring accountability, and pursuing justice in accordance with the law.”
FBI accuses ex-CIA official of fake credentials
According to the complaint, Rush claimed in government applications that he graduated from Clemson University and later added graduate credentials from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Naval Postgraduate School.
Prosecutors allege those claims were false.
The FBI affidavit further states that Rush falsely represented himself as a Navy pilot and a graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School while applying for senior executive positions.
“The FBI’s investigation has revealed that Rush’s applications contained false information about his education background and work with the United States military,” the affidavit states.
Investigators also allege Rush falsely claimed to remain in the Navy Reserves after being honorably discharged in 2015, allowing him to collect additional compensation tied to military leave.
Authorities have not publicly stated when Rush left the CIA, and officials said additional evidence from the investigation is still being reviewed.
