Archive · 2 Oct 2026
FBI Arrests DOE Employee Accused of Aiding Houthis
The FBI arrested a Department of Energy worker named Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy.
Prosecutors say he tried to help the Houthis, an armed group in Yemen.
They accuse him of buying parts for explosives and drones.
They also say he helped with communications equipment and traveled into Yemen.
The FBI began investigating after learning about his purchases of chemicals and equipment.
Investigators say he gave advice about solar power and communication systems.
Ellaboudy has been charged, but the allegations have not been proven in court.
If convicted, he could receive up to 20 years in prison.
The Department of Energy said he did not try to harm the Hanford nuclear site or its workers.
The FBI arrested Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a Department of Energy employee, at the Hanford site in Washington.
The Justice Department charged Ellaboudy with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis.
Investigators allege he obtained materials for homemade explosives and drones and sought to improve Houthi communications systems.
Authorities say Ellaboudy traveled from Oman into Yemen in September 2025 using an official passport.
The Department of Energy said he did not threaten Hanford, its workforce, or the site’s safety and security.
- Who
- The FBI arrested Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a 51-year-old Department of Energy employee from Richland, Washington.
- What
- Ellaboudy was charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis.
- When
- The arrest occurred on Thursday; the alleged Yemen trip took place in September 2025.
- Where
- He was arrested at the Hanford site in Washington; authorities say he traveled through Oman into Yemen and intended to reach Sanaa.
- Why
- Prosecutors allege he sought to help the Houthis obtain explosive and drone components and improve their communications capabilities.
Prosecution Allegations
Agency Response
Alleged support for the Houthis
Prosecution Allegations
The Justice Department alleges Ellaboudy tried to provide material support, including equipment, technical advice, and assistance to improve Houthi communications.
Agency Response
The available account does not include a substantive public response from Ellaboudy disputing the allegations.
Explosives and drone materials
Prosecution Allegations
Investigators say Ellaboudy purchased precursor chemicals, components, and other materials associated with homemade explosives and drones.
Agency Response
The Department of Energy said the allegations did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford site or its workforce.
Travel to Yemen
Prosecution Allegations
The FBI alleges Ellaboudy used an official passport to travel to Oman and cross into Yemen, while later telling customs officers the trip involved official government business without authorization.
Agency Response
No authorized official government travel to that region was identified, and the articles provide no further public explanation from Ellaboudy.
- Defendant
- Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51
- Employer
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Arrest location
- Hanford, Washington
- Charge
- Attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis
- Alleged assistance
- Explosive and drone materials, communications equipment, and technical guidance
- Alleged Yemen travel
- September 2025, via Oman
- Maximum penalty
- Up to 20 years in prison if convicted
- DOE assessment
- The agency said Ellaboudy did not threaten the Hanford site or its workforce