Former Top CIA Official Arrested for Embezzling Public Funds via Fake Secret Program; 303 Gold Bars Seized

David J. Rush, a former high-ranking official at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency who participated in highly classified intelligence programs, has been charged with fabricating a secret program to embezzle millions of dollars in public funds. Investigators discovered gold bars worth over $40 million (approximately NT$1.26 billion) at his home.

The New York Times noted that Rush had, until recently, held a considerably high-ranking position at the CIA.

The Washington Post reported that Rush was arrested last month for embezzlement of public funds. Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that Rush established a so-called 'Special Access Program' (SAP), a type of 'black box' for top-secret intelligence operations where even personnel with the highest security clearances are denied access without specific authorization.

Rush was arrested on May 18 after his residence was searched by the FBI. Agents found 303 gold bars valued at approximately $40 million, an additional $2 million in cash, and 35 high-end designer watches.

Sources revealed that the investigation found Rush had concocted a fake top-secret program and then used the intelligence agency's referral process to bring in colleagues. These colleagues believed they were executing a top-secret national mission but were actually being deceived by Rush into becoming accomplices in his fraud. Besides using secrecy as a pretext to prevent colleagues from discussing the matter, Rush also persuaded one of them to transfer millions of dollars to this fake program.

Rush previously worked in the CIA's Directorate of Science and Technology. At a detention hearing on May 29 in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, a judge ruled to detain him, finding significant evidence against him and deeming him a flight risk. The Directorate of Science and Technology is the CIA department responsible for developing technological espionage tools to assist U.S. intelligence officers and overseas assets.

Meanwhile, as the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and intelligence agencies continues, the CIA has placed several officials on leave pending investigation.

During the investigation, authorities have raised serious questions about the CIA's secrecy and auditing mechanisms. It remains unclear how Rush was able to secretly create a fictitious intelligence program on his own without approval from higher-ups, nor is it clear whether the two colleagues Rush brought into the fake program knew it was a scam.

One source revealed that the program Rush fabricated involved a 'continuity of government' mission, which consists of plans to ensure the federal government can continue to operate in the event of a nuclear war, natural disaster, or other major catastrophe.

Rush apparently used the fictitious continuity of government program and related contracts to persuade a defense contractor to purchase large quantities of gold, which he then embezzled.

According to four former officials and other knowledgeable sources, it is shocking that Rush's duties at the CIA also included participation in one of the government's most sensitive intelligence-gathering programs, one so highly classified that only a handful of U.S. intelligence officials and members of Congress knew of its existence.

One source stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest Rush was paid by any foreign power to engage in espionage.