Ex-US spy who stashed gold bars in his home admits to $200m scam

Former CIA officer David Rush, 49, has admitted to defrauding the US government in a $200 million scam involving fake contracts and real estate, according to prosecutors. Rush, who was arrested after authorities found 298 gold bars in his home, is required to pay restitution and forfeit luxury assets as part of the plea deal. He also confessed to providing classified information to a foreign government, which could have caused "grave damage" to national security.

The FBI found that Rush requested significant amounts of foreign currency and gold bars for work-related expenses between November 2025 and March 2026. He allegedly used fraudulent public funds to purchase luxury properties in South Florida, and hired an interior designer and bought kitchen appliances for one property. Rush was also found with $2 million in cash and 35 luxury watches during his arrest. He is set to be sentenced on January 28, with a maximum possible prison term of 20 years.