How CIA officer convinced US government to give him $40M in gold bars — as new allegations about his past revealed
A spy convinced the CIA to give him $40 million in gold bars by claiming it was for “work-related expenses” — and it was just the latest in a career for increasingly brazen lies, according to federal prosecutors.
David Rush made a series of requests to the agency to obtain “a significant quantity” of foreign currency and hundreds of gold bars between November and March, according to a staggering federal affidavit.
Astonishingly, Rush received what he asked for, according to the court documents, and the agency was later unable to locate any record of Rush explaining to the CIA what precise work-related purpose the enormous sums.
When the FBI raided his Virginia home on May 18, they found $2 million in greenback, 35 luxury watches and more than 300 one-kilogram gold bars worth over $40 million.
The price of the precious metal has skyrocketed 164% this year, which sharply increased the value of his alleged scheme.
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Court documents also alleged that the FBI’s investigation revealed that Rush provided false information about his education and military service for decades — tracing his rise through the military and government.
In his applications, he allegedly falsely claimed to have degrees from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as well as an evaluation certification from the US Naval Test Pilot School.
None of these claims were accurate, according to the affidavit.
The CIA confirmed he was employed by the agency, and that it was investigating.
“On Tuesday, May 19th, the FBI arrested an individual following a referral from the Central Intelligence Agency. 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,” a CIA spokesperson said in a statement.
The FBI is working closely with our partners at the CIA and the Department of Justice as we continue to investigate this matter fully. We are committed to following the facts, ensuring accountability, and pursuing justice in accordance with the law.”
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Rush’s defense attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment
