In a shocking development, Ashley Tellis, a leading U.S. foreign policy expert known for his work on relations with India, has been arrested on charges of espionage, which means he is accused of secretly handling or sharing government information without permission. Federal authorities allege that Tellis illegally retained over 1,000 pages of classified documents in his Virginia home. The documents, many marked “TOP SECRET” or “SECRET”, reportedly contained sensitive national security information.
Arrest and Discovery of Classified Documents
A court-authorized search of Tellis’s home took place on October 11. During this search, investigators found documents stored in locked filing cabinets as well as in black garbage bags. Officials described the collection of materials as extensive, including files covering U.S. military operations, Air Force tactics, and defense strategies.
Tellis, 64, held a top-secret security clearance and had worked as an unpaid senior adviser at the State Department. He also served as a contractor for the Department of Defense. His positions gave him access to sensitive government systems and information. Authorities say his handling of classified material violated strict security rules and created a serious risk to national security.
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The search of Tellis’s home occurred on the same day he was scheduled to travel to Rome with his family. Investigators noted the timing, as it suggested potential intent to remove documents from the country, though no evidence confirms this.
Meetings with Chinese Officials
The criminal complaint also details multiple meetings between Ashley Tellis and officials of the Chinese government. These meetings allegedly took place from September 2022 through September 2025. Authorities say the meetings were held in public locations, including restaurants in Fairfax, Virginia.
Surveillance reportedly captured a meeting in September 2022 where Tellis arrived carrying a manila envelope and left without it. Investigators suggest these meetings involved discussions on sensitive topics, including Iran-China relations, U.S.-Pakistan relations, and developments in artificial intelligence. One meeting allegedly included the delivery of a red gift bag from Chinese officials to Tellis.
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While authorities have not directly accused Tellis of handing over classified information during these meetings, the encounters are part of a broader investigation into potential espionage activities. The case has alarmed national security experts due to Tellis’s prominent role in U.S.-India policy and his access to sensitive government systems.
Surveillance and Handling of Secret Materials
Federal investigators used surveillance tools to monitor Ashley Tellis’s activities closely. Video footage reportedly shows him accessing classified State Department systems and printing hundreds of pages from a 1,288-page file detailing U.S. Air Force tactics. According to the complaint, Tellis renamed the file “Econ Reform” before printing certain pages and then deleted it afterward.
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Additional surveillance from October 10 allegedly captured Tellis concealing classified documents inside notepads and placing them into his leather briefcase before leaving a secure government facility. Authorities say these actions violated strict protocols meant to safeguard highly sensitive information.
The charges against Tellis highlight a significant breach of U.S. security procedures. If convicted, he faces severe consequences, including up to ten years in prison and substantial fines. The arrest has sent shockwaves through national security circles due to the combination of his expertise in U.S.-India relations and his access to classified information.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to review surveillance, documents, and other evidence related to Ashley Tellis. The case emphasizes the risks associated with mishandling sensitive materials and the importance of strict adherence to security rules by individuals with high-level government access.