US State Department Confirms Ashley Tellis’ Arrest on Oct 11, Investigation Underway
Veteran South Asia expert and US government consultant accused of unlawfully retaining classified defense information, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
US, Oct 15 : The US State Department has confirmed that Ashley Tellis, a long-time government adviser and noted expert on India and South Asia, was arrested on October 11, 2025, in connection with the alleged unlawful retention of classified national defense documents.
A State Department spokesperson told IANS, “We can confirm that State Department consultant Ashley Tellis was arrested on October 11, 2025. As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further on the case.”
US Attorney Lindsey Halligan, from the Eastern District of Virginia, issued a statement saying Tellis was “arrested over the weekend and charged by criminal complaint with the unlawful retention of national defense information.”
“We are fully focused on protecting the American people from all threats, foreign and domestic. The charges as alleged in this case represent a grave risk to national security,” Halligan said, adding that the case would be pursued “to ensure that justice is served.”
If convicted, Tellis could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, officials said.
According to a federal affidavit filed on October 13 in the Eastern District of Virginia, Tellis allegedly removed classified documents from secure Department of Defense facilities and stored them at his residence in Vienna, Virginia. The 10-page affidavit cites surveillance footage, digital evidence, and document trails indicating repeated access to and concealment of sensitive materials.
Court documents allege that on September 12, 2025, Tellis was seen at the Department of Defense’s Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia, having a co-worker print multiple classified files, including one marked “TOP SECRET.” Later, on September 25, he allegedly accessed a State Department system in Washington, D.C., opened a 1,288-page Air Force document marked “Secret”, renamed it “Econ Reform” to disguise its contents, printed several hundred pages, and deleted the file.
Investigators further allege that on October 10, Tellis was seen concealing classified papers inside notepads and placing them in his leather briefcase before taking them home.
The affidavit also referenced multiple meetings with Chinese officials over recent years. In one instance in 2022, Tellis reportedly arrived with a manila envelope and left without it. Later meetings allegedly covered strategic topics, including Iran-China relations, artificial intelligence, and US-Pakistan affairs. At a meeting on September 2, 2025, he reportedly received a red gift bag from Chinese officials.
Tellis is described in court documents as an unpaid Senior Advisor at the US State Department and a contractor in the Department of Defense’s Office of Net Assessment (ONA). He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and is recognized as a leading expert on India and South Asian strategic affairs.
He previously held senior positions in the US government, including as an adviser to the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and played a key role in negotiating the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
