WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — A former senior CIA officer accused of stealing more than $40 million in gold bars from the Central Intelligence Agency allegedly created a fake classified program to divert government funds, according to reports citing people familiar with the investigation.
The new allegations add another layer to a case that has already raised serious questions about security, oversight, and employee vetting inside the CIA.
Federal investigators say David Rush, a longtime CIA employee, used a fabricated Special Access Program, or SAP, to move millions of dollars through a fraudulent government contract. According to a report by The Washington Post, Rush allegedly convinced a colleague to transfer government funds into the unauthorized program. Sources told the newspaper that he presented the operation as a legitimate classified project and restricted discussion about it.
Officials said Rush “read in” two colleagues, a process used to grant access to highly sensitive intelligence programs. Once inside the program, the employees reportedly could not discuss its details with others. Investigators now want to determine whether the employees knew the program was fake and how Rush managed to establish it without attracting scrutiny from supervisors.
The allegations emerged after Rush’s arrest in May. FBI agents reportedly discovered hundreds of gold bars, luxury watches, and large amounts of foreign currency connected to the former intelligence officer. Authorities said Rush possessed 303 bullion bars weighing about 2.2 pounds each. Investigators also found dozens of expensive watches and more than $2 million in foreign currency.
The value of the seized assets exceeded $40 million, making the case one of the most unusual theft investigations involving a U.S. intelligence official. The discovery shocked many former government officials because CIA employees operate under strict security and accountability rules.
Reports indicate that the fake Special Access Program appeared to focus on continuity of government operations. These programs help ensure that the U.S. government can continue functioning during major emergencies. Such emergencies include nuclear attacks, natural disasters, and other national crises.
The New York Times reported that the alleged program existed on paper as part of those continuity efforts. Authorities have not released the name of the program. Officials also have not explained how Rush allegedly secured funding for the operation. The CIA and federal investigators continue to examine the scope of the alleged fraud.
Rush currently remains in custody in Alexandria, Virginia. Prosecutors have charged him with theft of public funds. Investigators say he falsely claimed educational and military credentials to obtain his CIA position and security clearances. Federal authorities also allege that Rush improperly received compensation by claiming military leave after his military service had ended.
According to an FBI criminal complaint, Rush claimed 744 hours of military leave after receiving an honorable discharge in February 2015. Investigators said those claims resulted in approximately $77,000 in compensation. The allegations suggest a pattern of deception that extended beyond the reported gold bar theft and fraudulent classified program.
The case has created embarrassment for the CIA and sparked concerns about internal oversight procedures. Security experts note that Special Access Programs rank among the most restricted programs in the U.S. government. They usually require extensive approvals and close monitoring. The allegations have prompted questions about how one employee allegedly gained enough authority to create a fake program and move millions of dollars without detection. The Washington Post also reported that Rush worked on a legitimate top-secret intelligence program known to only a small number of CIA employees and lawmakers. Government officials asked the newspaper not to disclose details about that operation, citing national security concerns.
