Ex-CIA official admits to $194 million fraud scheme involving gold bars

Published October 6, 2026 8:06pm ET



Former CIA official David Rush pleaded guilty Tuesday to a $194 million fraud scheme that allowed him to acquire hundreds of gold bars and luxury properties in Florida.

Rush, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. Prosecutors said Rush exploited his senior government position and access to highly classified programs to invent government authorities and steer taxpayer money toward assets he ultimately controlled.

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