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Ex-CIA official David Rush pleads guilty to wire fraud after being found with $40m in gold bars
Overview
David Rush, a 49-летний former CIA official, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after investigators discovered more than $40m in gold bars, $2m in cash, and 35 luxury watches at his home. As part of a plea deal approved by a federal judge, Rush agreed to pay nearly $200m in restitution, forfeit assets including luxury real estate and cars, and confessed to providing top-secret information to a foreign government.
Key points
- Former CIA official David Rush pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
- A raid on his home previously uncovered 298 gold bars worth over $40m, along with $2m in cash and 35 luxury watches.
- Rush confessed as part of his plea deal to disclosing top-secret information to a foreign official.
- The plea deal requires him to pay nearly $200m in restitution and forfeit luxury real estate, vehicles, and other assets.
- Prosecutors stated that Rush fabricated a classified programme to acquire government funds for personal real estate investments.
- A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 28 January, with the charge carrying a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.