David Rush, a 49-year-old C.I.A. officer, was recently arrested with over $40 million in gold bars found in his home. Rush, who has served in the agency’s Directorate of Science and Technology for 17 years, is accused of misappropriating public funds.
During President Trump’s first term, Rush reportedly had initial contact with Stephen A. Feinberg, who is currently the deputy secretary of defense. Feinberg, the founder of Cerberus Capital Management, chaired the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board during that time. The board advises the White House and intelligence agencies on various matters.
Although some officials suggest that Rush and Feinberg were not particularly close, Feinberg showed interest in the technology developed by the C.I.A., especially within the Directorate of Science and Technology. This interest persisted during his tenure on the advisory board and after he assumed his role at the Pentagon.
The reasons behind Rush’s possession of the gold bars and the C.I.A.’s issuance of them remain unclear. According to former U.S. officials, Rush might have been involved in a covert program to access such vast amounts of money. However, people briefed on the matter stated that Feinberg and the Pentagon were not involved in Rush’s activities that led to acquiring the gold.
The Pentagon has not issued any comments on the situation, while the C.I.A. also declined to comment. NBC News had earlier reported on the connection between Rush and Feinberg.
Rush remains detained, charged with stealing public money through fraudulent time sheets. Court documents reveal allegations against him of falsifying his academic background and work history. The legal proceedings have sparked more questions than answers.
From November last year to March, Rush reportedly requested and received millions in gold bars and foreign currency for purported ‘work-related expenses.’ A C.I.A. review of these resources failed to locate the gold and currency. Following this, the F.B.I. searched Rush’s home and discovered 303 gold bars, each weighing around 2.2 pounds.
Julian E. Barnes, a seasoned reporter, covers U.S. intelligence agencies and security matters. Mark Mazzetti, an investigative journalist in Washington, D.C., reports on national security and foreign affairs and has authored a book on the C.I.A.
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