{"id":2611433,"date":"2026-06-06T10:35:02","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T14:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ex-cia-official-stole-40-million-in-gold-by-making-fake-spy-program\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T10:36:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T14:36:37","slug":"ex-cia-official-stole-40-million-in-gold-by-making-fake-spy-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ex-cia-official-stole-40-million-in-gold-by-making-fake-spy-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Ex-CIA official stole $40 million in gold by making fake spy program"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fex-cia-official-stole-40-million-in-gold-by-making-fake-spy-program%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2611433&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>David Rush, a former CIA official, is accused of creating a fake, highly classified \u201cspecial access program\u201d to siphon millions of dollars from government funds for personal benefit. Prosecutors say he misrepresented the project as a sensitive continuity-of-government initiative to prevent oversight and stop colleagues from discussing it; one account alleges he persuaded a coworker to route money through a fraudulent contract.  <\/p>\n<p>A federal judge ordered Rush to remain in custody due to a flight risk, describing him as a \u201cmaster manipulator.\u201d After his arrest, investigators found 303 gold bars worth more than $40 million, about $2 million in cash, and over 30 luxury Rolex watches. The CIA and FBI said they coordinated wiht the Justice Department after internal findings, and Rush has not entered a plea, with parts of the case still sealed.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Former <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/cia\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/cia\/\">Central Intelligence Agency<\/a> official David Rush, who is accused of stealing more than $40 million and converting the proceeds into gold bars and other valuables, allegedly created a fictitious <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/intelligence\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1400\">intelligence<\/a> program that he used to siphon millions of dollars in government funds for personal gain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rush established a fraudulent \u201cspecial access program,\u201d one of the government\u2019s most tightly controlled classification systems, which restricts oversight from even officials with the highest security clearance, the <em>Washington Post <\/em>reported. He allegedly falsely presented the project as a highly sensitive continuity-of-government initiative, which is a type of emergency planning designed to ensure the federal government can continue operating during catastrophic events such as a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/nuclear-weapons\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"542\">nuclear<\/a> attack.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/national-security\/4597341\/three-us-nationals-arrested-alleged-isis-financial-support\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Three US nationals arrested on charges of allegedly conspiring to provide material support to ISIS<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/crime\/4596127\/new-jersey-cop-theft-ap-camera-delaney-hall\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>New Jersey charges officer in theft of AP journalist\u2019s camera bag at Delaney Hall protest<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4594891\/starmer-meet-family-henry-nowak-blame-musk\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Starmer to meet with family of Henry Nowak after blaming Musk for unrest<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In this image provided and annotated by the Alexandria\u2019s Sheriff\u2019s Office, David J. Rush is seen in his booking photo in Alexandria, Va. (Alexandria Sheriff)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sources said Rush \u201cread in\u201d two colleagues to the purported program, granting them access to the fabricated operation and effectively preventing them from discussing it with others because of its supposed sensitivity. The employees may have been unwitting participants in the scheme, with Rush persuading one of his colleagues to direct millions of dollars to the program through a fraudulent government contract.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A federal judge on Friday <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4596794\/ex-cia-officer-gold-bar-scheme-to-remain-jailed\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4596794\/ex-cia-officer-gold-bar-scheme-to-remain-jailed\/\">ordered<\/a> that Rush remain in custody, citing a significant risk that he could flee. The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/justice-department\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"167\">Justice Department<\/a> has described him as a \u201cmaster manipulator\u201d who \u201ccannot be trusted.\u201d Rush was arrested by the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/fbi\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"516\">FBI<\/a> on May 19 after an internal CIA investigation uncovered what officials characterized as potential criminal misconduct.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When agents searched Rush\u2019s home, investigators found 303 gold bars valued at more than $40 million, approximately $2 million in cash, and more than 30 luxury Rolex watches. Prosecutors contend Rush converted the allegedly stolen funds into commodities and other assets in an effort to conceal and diversify his wealth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the arrest, the CIA and FBI issued a joint statement saying CIA Director <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/john-ratcliffe\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"3025\">John Ratcliffe<\/a> referred information uncovered during the agency\u2019s internal investigation to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/top-new-york-democrat-questioned-by-feds\/\" title=\"Top New York Democrat Questioned by Feds\">federal law enforcement authorities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe FBI is working with partners at the CIA and DOJ,\u201d the agencies said. \u201cAs we continue to fully investigate this matter, we\u2019re committed to following the facts, ensuring accountability, and pursuing justice in accordance with the law.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rush has not entered a plea. Portions of the case remain under seal, and additional proceedings are expected as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/why-the-fbi-never-questioned-epstein-benefactor-les-wexner\/\" title=\"Why the ... never questioned Epstein benefactor Les Wexner\">investigators continue examining<\/a> the alleged scheme.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4596794\/ex-cia-officer-gold-bar-scheme-to-remain-jailed\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4596794\/ex-cia-officer-gold-bar-scheme-to-remain-jailed\/\">EX-CIA OFFICER ACCUSED OF STEALING $40 MILLION IN GOLD BARS TO REMAIN JAILED<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The case has sent shockwaves through the intelligence community and comes as President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"4\">Donald Trump<\/a> has signaled support for reducing the number of employees working for U.S. intelligence agencies under incoming Director of National Intelligence <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/bill-pulte\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"22738\">Bill Pulte<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind if he cut,\u201d Trump <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4597020\/trump-teases-cuts-odni-under-pulte\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4597020\/trump-teases-cuts-odni-under-pulte\/\">told<\/a> reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday. \u201cIt\u2019s been high for way too long.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Former CIA official David Rush allegedly built a fake program to steal $40M<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4195,"featured_media":2611434,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AP26134772650160.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[7899,34413,80934,80933],"class_list":["post-2611433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-ex-cia","tag-forgery","tag-gold-theft","tag-stole-money"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AP26134772650160.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2611433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4195"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2611433"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2611433\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2611437,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2611433\/revisions\/2611437"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2611434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2611433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2611433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2611433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}