FBI Arrests Energy Department Employee Over Alleged Support for Houthis

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested a United States Department of Energy employee over allegations that he attempted to provide material support to Yemen’s Houthi movement.

The suspect is 51-year-old Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, an electrical engineer based in Richland, Washington. He was arrested on October 1, 2026, according to the Department of Justice.

Prosecutors allege Ellaboudy used his technical expertise to assist the group, acquired materials associated with explosives and drones, and travelled to Yemen without official approval.

The Department of Justice said the FBI began investigating after learning about purchases involving chemicals, components for homemade explosive devices, and parts used for drones.

Investigators said in December 2024, Ellaboudy took sick leave from work claiming exposure to concentrated nitric acid, a chemical that has industrial uses but can also be a precursor for explosives.

A key part of the case is an alleged trip to Yemen in September 2025. According to the complaint, Ellaboudy travelled from Richland to Oman using an official passport issued during his work with the Army Corps of Engineers, then crossed into Yemen intending to reach Sanaa, which is under Houthi control.

On return, he allegedly told Customs and Border Protection officers he was on official missile defence inspection duty. His Department of Energy supervisor told investigators he had no authorised travel to the region.

The complaint also alleges Ellaboudy communicated with an FBI confidential source who claimed to work for a Houthi colonel seeking communications equipment. Prosecutors allege he helped test solar power generators, provided diagrams, and advised on how to configure a mobile communications centre.

Ellaboudy was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 8. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf and a judge ordered that he remain in custody pending further proceedings. Detention does not amount to conviction.

The Department of Energy’s Hanford Field Office said the case does not involve a threat to the Hanford Site or its workforce and thanked investigators.

The Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, seized Sanaa in 2014. The US designated the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in March 2025. Under federal law, attempting to provide material support to a designated group is a crime.

If convicted, the charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors must still prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

By: Oluikpe Jonadab

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