A former CIA official pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $194 million.
A former CIA officer—the U.S. intelligence agency—in whose home gold bars worth more than $46 million were found earlier this year, among other items, pleaded guilty yesterday, Tuesday, to the charge of embezzlement of public funds.
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David Russ, 49, who has faced charges of embezzling nearly $194 million, pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors in federal court in Alexandria, not far from the nation’s capital, Washington.
His sentencing is scheduled for January 28.
He faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine, and the requirement to return the funds he embezzled to the government.
Statements from the Attorney General and the Director of the CIA
“Federal public officials have a duty to serve the American people, not themselves,” commented Attorney General Todd Blanks, according to a press release from his office.
“David Russ abused his position,” “betrayed the public trust,” and “must be held fully accountable for his actions,” emphasized CIA Director John Ratcliffe, according to the same statement, clarifying that the FBI, the federal police, following an internal investigation by the intelligence agency.
Funds for Covert Operations
Between October 2025 and May 2026, when he was arrested, David Russ devised a scheme to embezzle funds intended for covert operations, according to the Department of Justice.
In fact, he spent those funds on luxury real estate, extremely expensive watches, gold bars, and at least one high-value car, according to the indictment.
Disclosure of Confidential Information to a Foreign Government Agent
David Russ is also alleged to have, around the end of 2025, disclosed confidential information regarding a human resource —a confidential source—to an agent of a foreign government, which is not specified, according to the indictment. However, he is not facing prosecution for this specific case, at least at this stage.
He held a clearance to handle top-secret documents and had access to classified information due to his position at the CIA, to which he was appointed in part because he lied about his degrees and his career in the U.S. Navy.
During a search of his home in May, the FBI found and seized nearly 300 gold bars, approximately $2 million in cash, and about 30 luxury wristwatches, according to the same sources.
Source: iefimerida.gr
