CIA Officer Stole $190 Million by Faking Top Secret Project, Says Report

How the Fraud Began

According to TechRadar↗ (opens in a new tab), a man named David Rush secured a senior executive position at a US federal agency by lying about his education and military background. This job gave him access to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI), one of the highest levels of security clearance in the US government. With this clearance, Rush could view and handle some of the country’s most sensitive intelligence.

The Fake Project and the Money Trail

Rush reportedly used his position to create a fake “Special Access Program.” These programs are meant for highly sensitive operations, with access limited to only a few trusted individuals. Rush claimed his project was a surveillance or intelligence-gathering operation so secret that almost no one else would know about it. He described it as a “continuity of government” plan, supposedly to be used in the event of war or disaster.

By exploiting the secrecy around these types of projects, Rush was able to get the government to fund his fake operation. Over time, he wired himself about $145 million directly. He also convinced a defence contractor to buy 298 gold bars, worth roughly $46 million, which he later took for himself. In total, Rush stole nearly $194 million.

The FBI Investigation and Seizure

The fraud did not go unnoticed. On May 19, the FBI raided Rush’s home. Agents found 298 gold bars, more than $2 million in cash, over €100,000 in euros, and a collection of luxury watches, mostly Rolexes. They also seized two high-end BMW Alpina cars and several properties bought with the stolen money.

Rush pleaded guilty and agreed to forfeit all the assets, including the gold, cash, watches, cars, and real estate. The FBI Director, Kash Patel, said Rush had “betrayed his oath, his co-workers, and the American people.”

Legal Consequences

Rush is awaiting sentencing, scheduled for January 28, 2027. He faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, forfeiture of his assets, restitution, and a fine. The final sentence will be decided by a federal judge, who will consider US sentencing guidelines and other factors.

What Made the Scam Possible?

Rush’s high-level clearance allowed him to operate with little oversight. Special Access Programs are deliberately compartmentalised, meaning only a handful of people know the details. This secrecy, meant to protect national security, also made it easier for Rush to hide his fraud for years. He was able to move large sums of money and assets without raising immediate suspicion.

What Is Still Unclear

At this time, only TechRadar has reported these details, citing court documents. There is no confirmation from primary sources such as the CIA, FBI, or Department of Justice. Some details, such as how the fraud was first discovered or which defence contractor was involved, are not yet public. It is also unclear how long the scam lasted, or whether any changes will be made to oversight of secret government projects as a result.

Lessons for Security Professionals

This case highlights the risks of insider threats, especially when individuals have access to sensitive systems and funding. It also shows the importance of thorough background checks and regular audits, even for those in trusted positions. For anyone working in security, it is a reminder that technical controls alone are not enough, processes and oversight matter just as much, especially in high-trust environments.