Former CIA officer charged with stealing millions of dollars' worth of gold bars from government | CNN Politics

David Rush, a former CIA officer, has been charged with stealing tens of millions of dollars in gold bars and foreign currency from the agency, according to an FBI affidavit. Investigators say Rush embellished his military service and education to obtain government roles, including a claim of Navy pilot status and advanced degrees. He worked for the CIA for 17 years before his arrest last week on a single theft‑of‑public-money count and remains in custody ahead of a detention hearing. A search two days before his arrest recovered more than 300 gold bars valued at about $40 million and $2 million in cash.

Rush allegedly secured top‑secret clearance by misrepresenting his military service and education, including claims of Navy piloting and advanced degrees that investigators found false. Court papers allege he falsely described an eleven‑year tenure as a thesis/advisor at the Air Force Institute of Technology and claimed a senior executive service role for a large weapons test unit that did not exist. Prosecutors say he sought foreign currency and gold to cover work‑related expenses, and that $77,000 in purported military leave payments were part of the deception. The ongoing investigation notes that while more than 300 bars and cash were recovered, the remaining funds have not been found.