Indian-Origin US Expert Ashley Tellis Arrested
Ashley J. Tellis, a well-known US defense strategist of Indian origin, has been arrested for allegedly keeping over 1,000 pages of classified national defense documents at his home in Virginia. Authorities recovered files marked “TOP SECRET” and “SECRET” during the search.
Allegations of Meetings with Chinese Officials
Court filings also cite Tellis’s meetings with Chinese government officials, including a 2022 dinner where he reportedly carried a manila envelope. While investigators have not directly accused him of handing over secrets, these interactions are highlighted as part of the case.
Career and Background
Tellis is a respected figure in US foreign policy circles. He previously served on the National Security Council, advised successive administrations on South Asia strategy, and is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He held a Top Secret security clearance.
Possible Penalties and Next Steps
If convicted, Tellis faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. He is currently in federal custody awaiting a detention hearing. The US Justice Department has said mishandling sensitive intelligence poses serious national security risks.
