DAVID RUSH PLEADS GUILTY TO WIRE FRAUD OVER GOLD BARS SCAM

David Rush, a former CIA officer, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a Virginia court, admitting he defrauded the US government in a scheme involving fake contracts and real estate deals. One report put the value of the scam at around $200m (£151m), while another said he was accused of stealing gold bars worth more than $40m. He was arrested after agents raided his home and found 298 gold bars, which he had obtained by claiming they were needed for work-related expenses. Under the plea deal, he must pay restitution and forfeit luxury real estate, vehicles and watches. He also admitted passing secrets to a foreign government.

FBI investigators said that between November 2025 and March 2026, Rush repeatedly requested large sums of foreign currency and gold bars, citing work-related expenses. A court filing states he invented a classified programme to justify acquiring luxury real estate in South Florida, intending to resell it for profit. The filing says Rush acted as his own approving official, letting him spend government money without oversight. Prosecutors said he disclosed the existence of a "clandestine human source" to a foreign official, risking harm to the source and the government's ability to recruit future sources. He had initially been charged with theft of public funds before agreeing to plead guilty to wire fraud.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Rush "abused his position and betrayed the public trust" and should be "held fully accountable." Prosecutors said Rush would plead guilty "because the defendant is in fact guilty of the charged offence." Rush's lawyer declined to comment when contacted. The plea deal requires him to surrender the real estate, cars and watches bought with the misappropriated funds.