Former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) official David Rush was arrested last week after Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents discovered 303 gold bars, valued at over USD 40 million, along with USD 2 million in cash and 35 expensive watches, during a search of his home. Rush is currently detained and charged with one count of theft of public funds, according to federal court documents cited by CBS on 27/5.

The FBI search on 18/5 stemmed from an investigation into allegations that Rush falsified his educational and military background. In recent months, the CIA had initiated an internal investigation into Rush, unable to determine the whereabouts or purpose of large amounts of foreign currency and gold bars, worth tens of millions of USD, that Rush had repeatedly requested from 11/2025 to 3/2026 for work-related expenses. The CIA subsequently referred the case to the FBI.

The FBI alleges Rush not only misappropriated the gold bars but also received fraudulent salaries, falsified his personal record, and defrauded the military leave system. FBI records do not specify which of Rush's actions led to the array of charges.

A central part of the FBI's case focuses on Rush's alleged deception during his enlistment with the US Navy in 1997. He is accused of providing false transcripts and records to claim graduation from Clemson University. These fraudulent credentials allowed Rush to be commissioned as an ensign in the US Navy Reserve in 2004 before his honorable discharge in 2015.

Rush reportedly continued this pattern of deception in civilian life. He applied for federal government positions three times, falsely claiming degrees from Clemson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the US Naval Postgraduate School. He also listed these institutions when applying for security clearance. In 2018, he further embellished his resume for senior executive agency positions, stating he was a graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School and the director of an Army-Navy weapons testing organization.

FBI investigative documents confirm that Rush's records contained false information regarding his educational qualifications and military service. The FBI believes he did not graduate from Clemson University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and never served as a naval aviator. Additionally, Rush is accused of falsely informing government agencies that he remained part of the naval reserve after his discharge, thereby illicitly receiving tens of thousands of USD in military leave benefits.

The lobby of CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia, in 8/2008. *Photo: Reuters*