Liputan6.com, Jakarta - David J. Rush, a former senior Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) official, is now facing serious charges for allegedly embezzling 303 gold bars worth more than $40 million.
This piece of evidence was found at his residence in Virginia, along with approximately $2 million in cash and 35 luxury watches, including the prestigious Rolex brand.
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Rush's arrest was made last week, following a referral from the CIA to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after an internal investigation identified potential violations of the law.
David Rush was charged with one count of theft of public money in Virginia's Eastern District Court, marking a new chapter in this horrendous scandal.
An in-depth investigation is continuing to uncover all the facts behind the theft case which was allegedly carried out by a former Central Intelligence Agency official.
Alleged Gold Theft Revealed
David J. Rush, a former senior Central Intelligence Agency executive, was arrested and indicted on charges of theft of public money, as reported by AP News.
This arrest was the result of collaboration between the FBI and the CIA, after an internal CIA investigation found strong indications of violations of the law by Rush.
The evidence confiscated from his home on May 18, 2026, was very significant.
Among the evidence are around 303 gold bars, each weighing about one kilogram, with a total estimated value of more than $40 million.
In addition to the gold, FBI agents also seized about $2 million in cash and a collection of about 35 luxury watches, many of them expensive Rolex brands.
This discovery strengthens allegations that Rush has embezzled assets on a large scale from the Central Intelligence Agency.
This case began with CIA Director John Ratcliffe's referral to the FBI, which indicated a potential violation of law following an internal investigation conducted by the intelligence agency.
Profile of David J. Rush
David J. Rush is not an ordinary figure within the Central Intelligence Agency.
He is a senior executive who has a top-secret security clearance, a position that demands absolute trust and integrity.
Rush worked in the CIA's Science and Technology Directorate, a crucial division responsible for developing high-tech tools for complex and secret espionage missions.
However, behind his prestigious position, surprising facts about his background were revealed.
Rush is accused of falsifying his educational and military history for nearly two decades.
He claims to have a bachelor's degree from Clemson University and a master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and was a US Navy pilot.
All these claims, according to the investigation, were proven to be untrue.
Although he was honorably discharged from the Navy in 2015, Rush has consistently claimed that he is still active in the Naval Reserve.
Modus Operandi and Internal Investigations
Between November last year and March this year, Rush allegedly made several requests for large amounts of foreign currency and tens of millions of dollars in gold bullion.
This request was submitted under the pretext of "work-related needs" within the scope of the Central Intelligence Agency.
However, after the request was fulfilled, the CIA was unable to find the gold bullion or determine its true purpose.
The CIA's inability to track these high-value assets was the initial trigger for an internal investigation that later led to allegations of legal violations by Rush.
On May 18, 2026, FBI agents conducted a search of Rush's residence, which resulted in the confiscation of crucial evidence in the form of gold, cash and luxury watches.
Both the CIA and the FBI have issued joint statements confirming that these arrests were the result of a CIA referral and close cooperation between the two agencies.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe personally referred the information to the FBI, indicating the seriousness of the case.
David J. Rush is currently in custody and facing charges of theft of public funds, a federal crime that could result in harsh penalties.
Rush's attorney, Jessica N. Carmichael, declined to comment on her client's case.
Rush's detention hearing, which was supposed to have taken place, has now been postponed until June 5 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.