Former CIA officer pleads guilty to $194 million scheme

FBI seized 298 gold bars and 30 luxury watches in May 19 raid

David J. Rush, 49, a former senior CIA officer from Ashburn, Virginia, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a scheme that cost the U.S. government approximately $194 million, federal prosecutors and CIA Director John Ratcliffe said.

Court documents state that Rush admitted to using his position as a senior executive-level federal employee with Top Secret security clearance to create fictitious government entities to obtain the government funds. Federal prosecutors did not state how long Rush had been conducting the scheme, but said it resulted in the government losing about $194 million.

According to prosecutors, Rush used the stolen funds to buy 298 gold bars worth about $46 million and to make $145 million in wire transfers to purchase luxury real estate, watches, and at least one vehicle.

The scheme came to light through an internal CIA investigation, according to Ratcliffe. In a statement, Ratcliffe said that once the activity was discovered, the FBI was immediately notified.

On May 19, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Rush’s Ashburn residence, recovering the 298 gold bars, more than $2 million in cash, $117,762 in euros, and 30 luxury watches.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Rush has agreed to forfeit the gold bars, the currency found at his home, his residence purchased with the stolen funds, the 30 watches, and two 2026 BMW Alpina vehicles.

“David Rush abused his position and betrayed the public trust and should be held fully accountable for his actions,” Ratcliffe said.

Rush is scheduled to be sentenced on January 28. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.