ALEXANDRIA, Va. — David J. Rush, a former senior CIA official from Ashburn, Virginia, pleaded guilty Tuesday to wire fraud in a scheme that caused approximately $194 million in losses to the federal government, according to the U.S. Justice Department and court records.
The Justice Department said Rush, 49, used his senior government position and Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance to create fictitious government authorities, including a fabricated Special Access Program, to obtain federal funds for his personal benefit.
298 gold bars recovered
According to court documents cited by prosecutors, Rush fraudulently obtained approximately $193.59 million in government funds. He acquired gold bars and directed roughly $145 million in wire transfers that were ultimately used to purchase luxury real estate, watches and at least one vehicle.
When the FBI searched Rush’s residence on May 19, agents recovered 298 gold bars, approximately $2.1 million in U.S. currency, €104,795 and numerous luxury watches, the Justice Department said. The gold bars had cost the government approximately $46 million.
Under his plea agreement, Rush agreed to forfeit the recovered gold and currency, fraudulently obtained properties, 30 watches and two 2026 BMW Alpina vehicles, according to prosecutors.
CIA referred the matter to FBI
CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the agency referred the matter to the FBI after an internal investigation identified potential crimes. The Associated Press independently reported the guilty plea and identified Rush as a former senior CIA official.
Rush is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2027, in federal court in Alexandria. Wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but the eventual sentence will be determined by the federal judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Justice Department said its investigation remains ongoing. The Director of National Intelligence has also requested an investigation by the Inspector General for the Intelligence Community.
Sources
- U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia — Oct. 6, 2026
- Associated Press — Oct. 6, 2026
Photo credit: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia / U.S. Department of Justice. DOJ website material is public domain unless otherwise indicated. Zark News has not used DOJ or FBI seals or implied government endorsement.
