A former high-ranking CIA official with top-secret clearance has been charged with stealing hundreds of gold bars and other valuables from the U.S. government, according to federal court filings in Virginia.

Between November 2025 and March 2026, the suspect allegedly requested and received a significant quantity of foreign currency and tens of millions of dollars in gold bars for work-related expenses, an FBI affidavit states.

During a search of his home on May 18, authorities seized more than 300 gold bars valued at over $40 million, foreign currency worth roughly $2 million, and 35 luxury watches, many of them Rolexes.

The affidavit concludes there is probable cause to believe the suspect knowingly embezzled government property for personal use, though his intended purpose remains unclear.

Investigators also found the suspect had allegedly lied for years about his education and military background, falsely claiming to be a former Navy pilot and graduate of Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In reality, he served in the Navy from 1997 to 2015, reaching the rank of lieutenant, but never qualified as a pilot.

Source: www.dw.com