‘Deeply disturbing’: Department of Energy employee allegedly acquired explosive materials in attempt to aid Houthis

A Department of Energy employee from Richland was arrested Thursday morning and charged with attempting to provide material or resources to the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, is scheduled to make an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge on Friday at 11 a.m. in Richland, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.

FBI investigation began with purchases of suspected explosive-making materials

Ellaboudy was brought to the attention of the FBI after information was received that he had purchased precursor chemicals, components, and other materials commonly used in the construction of homemade explosive devices, according to court records.

Ellaboudy also purchased parts used for the construction of drones and remotely operated aerial systems.

In December 2024, the FBI learned that Ellaboudy took sick leave from his employment, claiming he was exposed to highly concentrated nitric acid, which is a common chemical used in the construction of explosive materials, the complaint alleged.

In September 2025, Ellaboudy used an official passport previously issued to him when employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and traveled from Richland to Oman.

After arriving in Oman, Ellaboudy used the same passport to cross the border into Yemen with the intent of traveling to Sanaa, Yemen, the country’s capital currently under the control of the Houthis.

After Ellaboudy returned to the U.S., he told U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers that he had traveled overseas on official government business. Ellaboudy’s DOE supervisor confirmed he did not have any authorized official government travel to that region.

FBI source posed as contact for Houthi ‘Colonel’

Ellaboudy reportedly began communicating with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) who claimed to be acquiring communications equipment for a Houthi “colonel” that would be sent to Yemen for use in a mobile communications center.

Ellaboudy allegedly provided “expert” advice and assistance using his electrical engineering background and helped the CHS test and modify solar power generators and communication equipment.

Ellaboudy also allegedly guided the CHS on how the power systems and communication systems integrated, provided schematics and diagrams for the proper setup of the systems, and conducted research and provided guidance on various other equipment that could be acquired to improve the Houthis communications equipment.

“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,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg stated. “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.”

If convicted, Ellaboudy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

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