David Rush, 49, a top Central Intelligence Agency official, has pleaded guilty to executing a scheme to defraud the U.S. government by misusing his position, resulting in a loss of approximately $194 million.

“Following an internal investigation that identified potential crimes, CIA immediately referred this matter to the FBI,” said CIA director John Ratcliffe. “David Rush abused his position and betrayed the public trust and should be held fully accountable for his actions.”

According to court documents, Mr Rush held a senior executive-level position at a federal agency and a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance. He reached that position, in part, by lying about his education and military experience. Mr Rush used his position of extraordinary public trust to create fictitious government authorities—including a fabricated Special Access Programme—to obtain U.S. government funds for his personal benefit.

After receiving the funds, Mr Rush acquired gold bars. He directed approximately $145 million in wire transfers, which he ultimately used to purchase luxury real estate, watches, and at least one car. As a result of his scheme, Mr Rush fraudulently obtained approximately $193,590,400 in U.S. government funds.  

“By his own admission, David Rush defrauded the government of hundreds of millions of dollars, and then misused those funds for extravagant purchases,” said FBI director Kash Patel. “Rush betrayed his oath, his co-workers, and the American people, and he will now face justice for his actions.”

On May 19, 2026, the FBI searched Mr Rush’s residence and recovered 298 gold bars, approximately $2,106,550 in cash, €104,795, and numerous luxury watches. Mr Rush had obtained the gold bars at an approximate cost to the government of $46 million.

Based on his plea agreement, Mr Rush agreed to forfeit the gold bars and currency found at his home, the fraudulently obtained properties, 30 watches (many of which were Rolexes), and two 2026 BMW Alpina vehicles, at least one of which is valued at $172,000. He pleaded guilty on Tuesday.

Mr Rush is scheduled to be sentenced on January 28, 2027. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, forfeiture, restitution, and a fine.