A former senior CIA official accused of stealing over $40 million in gold bars reportedly fabricated a fake spy program to siphon funds, according to a new report from the Washington Post. David Rush, who spent 17 years at the Central Intelligence Agency, was arrested in May after FBI agents discovered 303 gold bullion bars, dozens of luxury watches, and more than $2 million in foreign currency in his government office.
The Alleged Scheme
U.S. officials now allege that Rush also stole millions by creating an illegitimate 'special access program'—a security protocol that restricts information to a select few. Rush reportedly 'read in' two colleagues to the secretive program, preventing them from discussing it with others. He then convinced one individual to transfer millions through a fraudulent government contract. 'He made up a contract,' a source told the Post.
On paper, the program was related to 'continuity of government operations,' including plans for how the U.S. government would function during nuclear war or other disasters, the New York Times reported. However, no further details about the program's name or how Rush managed to create it without supervisor clearance have been disclosed.
Additional Charges
Rush faces charges of theft of public funds for allegedly falsifying his education and military credentials to obtain his CIA job and classification. He also submitted false time cards, claiming 744 hours of military leave as a navy reservist after being honorably discharged in February 2015, amounting to approximately $77,000 in compensation, according to FBI Special Agent Matthew Johnson.
The scandal has embarrassed the CIA and raised questions about employee vetting for sensitive positions. Rush was involved in a top-secret intelligence program known to very few CIA employees and lawmakers, the Post reported, though details were withheld to protect operations. The CIA has placed several employees on leave as investigations continue.
