CIA Officer Says He Created Fake Classified Initiative to Take More Than $190M, Including Gold Bullion
David Rush, a CIA officer who worked on sensitive intelligence programs, has reached a plea deal with U.S. prosecutors. He admitted to creating a fictitious top-secret government program to steal more than $190 million, including gold bars.
By Sylvester Eyamah
Oct 8, 2026, 10:44 PM · 1 min read
A CIA officer has been charged with creating a fake classified initiative to steal more than $190 million from the agency, including gold bullion, according to a federal indictment unsealed this week.
The Scheme
David E. Rush, 52, a CIA officer since 2005, allegedly invented a fictitious program called "Project Vanguard" to justify massive purchases of gold bars and other assets. According to prosecutors, Rush claimed the initiative was a highly classified operation to influence foreign adversaries, but in reality it was a scheme to enrich himself.
How It Worked
Court documents describe a scheme that unfolded over years:
- Rush allegedly created fake documents and briefings to convince colleagues and supervisors that Project Vanguard was real
- He used his position to authorize purchases of gold bullion, which he then took for himself
- He also diverted funds to personal accounts and expensive purchases including vehicles, real estate, and luxury goods
- Prosecutors say he used his knowledge of classified systems to cover his tracks and avoid detection
The Charges
Rush faces charges including:
- Wire fraud
- Theft of government property
- Making false statements
- Money laundering
If convicted, he could face decades in prison.
What He Allegedly Bought
The indictment lists assets prosecutors say Rush acquired with the stolen funds:
- Gold bullion bars
- Luxury vehicles
- Real estate properties
- High-end watches and jewelry
- Private school tuition for family members
The Investigation
The scheme unraveled after an internal CIA review flagged irregularities in procurement records. Investigators from the FBI and CIA's Office of Inspector General traced the fake program back to Rush.
Response
The CIA declined to comment on specific details but said it is cooperating fully with the investigation. "The agency holds its officers to the highest standards, and any allegation of misconduct is taken seriously," a spokesperson said.
Rush's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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