Department of Energy Employee Arrested on Charges of Aiding Iran-Backed Houthis

A U.S. Department of Energy employee was arrested Thursday and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Iran-backed Houthi group, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, Washington, is accused of using his electrical engineering knowledge to aid the Houthi group in improving its mobile communications infrastructure, securing components for drones, and acquiring chemicals for homemade explosives.

"As alleged, a U.S. government employee traveled overseas and used his specialized expertise in an attempt to aid the Houthis, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization backed by Iran," stated Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. "Additionally, Ellaboudy acquired materials for the construction of explosive material and drones capable of delivering these explosives. These allegations are so deeply disturbing that they almost defy imagination."

Federal authorities took Ellaboudy into custody following an investigation by the FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force. Court records indicate that Ellaboudy first attracted the FBI's attention after purchasing precursor chemicals and components used in homemade explosives, as well as parts for drone construction.

In 2024, prosecutors allege Ellaboudy took sick leave from his Department of Energy job, claiming exposure to nitric acid, a key chemical compound used in explosive manufacturing. The DOJ stated that in 2025, Ellaboudy used an official passport from his previous role with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to travel from Washington state to Oman, and then crossed into Yemen.

Upon returning to the U.S., Ellaboudy reportedly told border officers that his trip was authorized government business. Investigators also said Ellaboudy advised an undercover FBI confidential human source posing as a representative of a Houthi colonel. For the Houthis, Ellaboudy allegedly tested solar generators, modified power systems, created circuit schematics, and provided support to the group’s communications.

"This individual allegedly betrayed the U.S. and attempted to aid the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization, but thanks to the work of the men and women of the FBI, his actions were detected and he is now in custody," said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division.

Officials confirmed Ellaboudy's alleged activities did not target local nuclear facilities. "This matter did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce, and at no time was there a threat to the safety or security of the site," said Ray Geimer, office manager of the Department of Energy Hanford Field Office.

Ellaboudy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance before a federal magistrate judge on October 2, in Richland, according to the Justice Department.