DOE employee charged with trying to aid Iran-backed Houthis, feds say

Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a U.S. Department of Energy worker, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Iran-backed Houthis. Ellaboudy allegedly used his electrical engineering expertise to aid the terrorist group in improving its communications, securing drone components, and obtaining chemicals for explosives. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted.

• Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a Department of Energy employee, was arrested and charged with attempting to support the Houthi terrorist group.
• Ellaboudy allegedly used his electrical engineering knowledge to help the Houthis with mobile communications, drone components, and chemicals for homemade explosives.
• He traveled to Yemen in 2025 and advised an undercover FBI source posing as a Houthi representative.
• Officials confirmed the alleged activities did not target the Hanford Site.
• Ellaboudy faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted.