DOJ alleges Ellaboudy crossed into Yemen in September 2025
The Houthis are designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government and are seen as a proxy for Iran, the Justice Department said. The group has attacked sites in Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally, according to the department.
The Justice Department said in a press release that Ellaboudy first came to the FBI’s attention after he purchased precursor chemicals and other materials commonly used in building homemade explosive devices. The investigation also revealed Ellaboudy had purchased parts used in the construction of drones and remotely operated aerial systems, the department said.
The Justice Department alleges that in December 2024, Ellaboudy took sick leave from his Energy Department position, saying he had been exposed to highly concentrated nitric acid — a substance commonly used in building explosive devices.
In September 2025, Ellaboudy traveled from Richland to Oman and crossed into Yemen with the intent to reach Sanaa, the capital under Houthi control, according to the Justice Department. Upon returning to the United States, he told Customs and Border Protection officers he had traveled on government business. His Energy Department supervisor later told investigators that Ellaboudy had not received authorization to travel to Yemen. Ellaboudy used an official passport for the trip that had been issued to him when he worked at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the department said.
The complaint also alleges that Ellaboudy, an electrical engineer, gave an FBI informant expert advice, helping the informant test and modify solar power generators and communications equipment. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
“As alleged, a U.S. government employee traveled overseas and used his specialized expertise in an attempt to aid the Houthis, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization backed by Iran,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said in a statement. “Additionally, Ellaboudy acquired materials for the construction of explosive material and drones capable of delivering these explosives. These allegations are so deeply disturbing that they almost defy imagination.”
“This individual allegedly betrayed the U.S. and attempted to aid the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization, but thanks to the work of the men and women of the FBI, his actions were detected and he is now in custody,” Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division said in a statement.