Department of Energy Employee Arrested for Allegedly Trying to Provide Material Support to Iran-Backed Houthi Terrorists — Accused of Buying Explosive Materials and Drone Parts
A U.S. Department of Energy employee was arrested Thursday morning after federal prosecutors accused him of attempting to provide material support and technical assistance to the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, Washington, was arrested on October 1 and charged in a federal criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, investigators allege Ellaboudy purchased precursor chemicals and other components commonly used to construct homemade explosives, along with parts used to build drones and remotely operated aerial systems.
TL;DR
- Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a U.S. Department of Energy employee, was arrested for allegedly attempting to provide material support to the Iran-backed Houthis.
- Investigators allege Ellaboudy purchased precursor chemicals for explosives and parts for drones.
- He is accused of using his government expertise and passport to travel to Yemen and aid the terrorist organization.
- Ellaboudy allegedly communicated with an FBI confidential source, providing technical assistance for communication systems.
- The Department of Energy stated the incident did not involve the Hanford nuclear site.
- The Houthis were formally designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization in March 2025.