A former CIA senior official is charged with stealing hundreds of gold bars worth more than $40 million from the U.S. government and storing them at his home in Virginia, according to multiple reports. Prosecutors and news outlets say the accused individual had a top-secret security clearance and allegedly removed 303 gold bars (or about 300) valued at over US$40 million. Authorities also report that during the investigation, they seized other items from the residence, including foreign currency and luxury watches. One report says the defendant told investigators he needed the gold bars for “work-related expenses,” citing court documents and people familiar with his employment history. Another outlet also reports he allegedly misstated aspects of his educational background. Separate accounts describe federal action that includes a raid on the home. The cases are presented as criminal charges and allegations, with no indication in the provided summaries of guilt.