More than $40 million (approximately £30 million) worth of gold bars was discovered by FBI investigators at the Virginia home of aformer CIA official, who is now facing federal charges. According to court filings and reports, the FBI began investigating after the government realised a large quantity of gold and foreign currency could no longer be accounted for.
Rush previously held a senior executive-level position connected to the CIA and reportedly possessed top-secret security clearance. Court documents state thatDavid Rushmade multiple requests over the past year to obtain the gold bars from the US government for what he described as 'work-related expenses.'
He was later charged with theft of public money in a criminal complaint filed last week, perAP News.
The investigation intensified after a CIA internal review reportedly failed to locate the gold and cash in official storage areas.
'After a CIA internal investigation identified potential violations of the law, CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred the information to the FBI for a law enforcement investigation.'
Federal agents later searched Rush's Virginia home, where they allegedly discovered more than $40 million (£30 million) worth of gold bars.
According to an FBI affidavit, agents searched Rush's residence on 18 May and seized approximately 303 gold bars weighing about a kilogram each. Agents also reportedly found around $2 million (roughly £1.5 million) in cash and approximately 35 luxury watches, many identified as Rolex timepieces.
Rush was arrested shortly afterward and charged with theft of public money. Federal authorities stated there was probable cause to believe he 'knowingly embezzled, stole, purloined, or knowingly converted a thing of value of the United States.' The FBI said it continues to work alongside the CIA and the Department of Justice as the investigation develops.
Beyond the missing gold, investigators also accused Rush of misrepresenting parts of his education and military history. Court documents allege that he falsely claimed to hold degrees from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Authorities also said he inaccurately presented himself as a Navy pilot and as someone connected to elite military aviation training programs.
Investigators reportedly found no evidence that Rush attended either university or possessed a pilot's licence. Records instead showed that he served in the Navy Reserve until 2015 before receiving an honorable discharge as a lieutenant.
Source: International Business Times UK
