FBI arrests former DOE employee for allegedly providing materials, expert assistance to Houthis

According to the criminal complaint, in December 2024, Ellaboudy took sick leave, claiming exposure to highly concentrated nitric acid, a common chemical used in the construction of explosives.

Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a 51-year-old Washington resident, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthi terrorist organization, the US Department of Justice announced on Thursday. 

Ellaboudy, a former US Department of Energy (DOE) employee, is alleged to have been aiding the Houthis by improving their communications capabilities and providing materials for homemade explosives and drones. 

The FBI first began investigating Ellaboudy when it received information that he had purchased chemicals, components, and other materials commonly used in the construction of homemade explosive devices, according to court records. Ellaboudy had also purchased parts used for the construction of drones and remotely operated aerial systems.

According to the criminal complaint, in December 2024, Ellaboudy took sick leave, claiming he'd been exposed to highly concentrated nitric acid, a common chemical used in the construction of explosive materials.

In 2025, Ellaboudy traveled from Richland, Washington, to Oman using an official passport from his time employed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. He then used the passport to cross into Yemen, intending to travel to Sanaa, Yemen's capital, which is under control of the Houthis. 

When he returned to the US, Ellaboudy told US Customs and Border Protection Officers that he'd been traveling on official government business.

Ellaboudy's DOE supervisor stated that Ellaboudy had no such authorized official government travel to that region.

Ellaboudy provided expert assistance to FBI source claiming to work for Houthis

During the investigation, Ellaboudy began communicating with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) who stated he was working for a Houthi "Colonel" to acquire communications equipment to send to Yemen for use in a mobile communications center.

Ellaboudy provided expert advice and assistance based upon his background in electrical engineering by assisting the CHS in testing and modifying solar power generators and communication equipment.

Ellaboudy also provided guidance on the power and communication systems, provided schematics and diagrams for the setup, and conducted research on other equipment that could be acquired to better the equipment.

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