‘TOP SECRET’ Docs To Manila Files: What’s Behind Indian-Origin Strategist Ashley Tellis’ Arrest By FBI?

In a rather shocking security breaches of recent times, an India-origin foreign policy scholar has been detained in the United States. Ashley Tellis on charges of unlawfully retaining national defence information. A federal court in Virginia ordered his arrest on Tuesday, pending a detention hearing next week.

The charges stem from investigations that uncovered classified material stored at his residence. According to an affidavit filed by US authorities, more than 1,000 pages of classified documents were recovered from Tellis’ Virginia home. The FBI search reportedly uncovered material marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” stored in filing cabinets and even trash bags.

Investigators allege that Tellis printed classified documents on multiple occasions and sometimes sought help from colleagues to access certain records, including those related to US military aircraft capabilities. Surveillance video cited in the affidavit shows him leaving government facilities with a briefcase believed to contain these materials.

Ashley Tellis: What charges is he facing and what are the possible penalties?

Tellis has been charged under 18 USC § 793(e), a law concerning the unlawful retention of national defence information. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and possible forfeiture.

According to US Attorney Lindsey Halligan, “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 the safety and security of our citizens.”

Tellis’s attorney, Deborah Curtis, has said they will present evidence during the hearing but declined to offer additional comment.

Did Ashley Tellis have contacts with foreign officials?

The affidavit also highlights multiple alleged interactions between Tellis and Chinese government representatives. Authorities list several meetings over the past few years, including:

September 2022 Dinner: Tellis reportedly arrived with a manila folder, while Chinese officials carried a gift bag.

April 11, 2023 Meeting: Discussions allegedly covered Iranian-Chinese relations and emerging technologies.

These interactions are under scrutiny as part of the broader investigation.

Who is Ashley Tellis, what is his professional background?

Tellis is a well-known expert in foreign policy, particularly on South Asia. His credentials include – Senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, service on the White House National Security Council under President George W Bush, work with the State Department since 2001.

He also had a role as a contractor in the Department of Defense’s Office of Net Assessment. Tellis is also known to have a longstanding top-secret security clearance. The US Justice Department has stressed the sensitivity of the documents involved and confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.