US Arrests Indian-Origin Security Expert Ashley Tellis Over Classified Documents and China Meetings

Indian-origin US security expert Ashley Tellis, a longtime adviser to the US government, was arrested on charges of unlawfully retaining classified information and allegedly meeting with Chinese officials, according to the FBI affidavit and US Attorney statements.

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Allegations and Arrest

Federal authorities allege that Tellis retained over 1,000 pages of top-secret or secret documents at his residence. The arrest occurred late Saturday, coinciding with his planned travel to Rome.

The FBI affidavit notes that in April 2023, Tellis attended a dinner with Chinese government officials in a Washington DC suburb. At the event, he was “occasionally overheard discussing Iranian-Chinese relations and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.” On multiple occasions, he reportedly received gift bags from the officials.

Additionally, the affidavit states that on September 25, 2025, Tellis, who serves as an unpaid adviser at the State Department, was observed printing a classified document detailing US Air Force techniques.

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Professional Background

Tellis has been a US government adviser for more than two decades, and also worked as a contractor with the Office of Net Assessment (ONA), the Pentagon’s internal think tank tasked with anticipating security threats. The ONA is currently undergoing a restructuring, as announced by the US Department of Defense in March 2025.

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Charges and Legal Consequences

US Attorney Lindsey Halligan of the Eastern District of Virginia confirmed that Tellis was charged under 18 USC § 793(e) for unlawful retention of national defense information.

Halligan stated, “The charges as alleged in this case represent a grave risk to the safety and security of our citizens. We will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”

If convicted, Tellis faces:

• Up to 10 years in prison

• $250,000 fine

• $100 special assessment

• Potential forfeiture of assets

Federal sentences are often less than the statutory maximum, with final penalties determined by a judge in accordance with US Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

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Broader Implications

This arrest highlights ongoing concerns about the security of classified information among advisers and contractors with access to sensitive US defense data. Experts suggest the case may prompt stricter oversight and security protocols for personnel handling national security documents, particularly those interacting with foreign officials.