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US intelligence agencies have accused Ashley Tellis, an expert on India and South Asia affairs, of leaking sensitive and secret information to China. During the search operation, the FBI and federal prosecutors recovered thousands of pages of documents labeled “TOP SECRET” and “SECRET” containing critical information about US Air Force capabilities, weapons systems, and strategic technologies.
US accuses Ashley Tellis of stealing US Secrets to China
New Delhi: US intelligence agencies have brought a serious case in which Ashley Tellis, an expert on India and South Asia affairs, has been accused of leaking sensitive national information and holding secret meetings with Chinese officials.
Tellis, who served as a longtime senior advisor to the US State Department and a contractor for the Department of War, is accused of stealing numerous top-secret documents from his Virginia home.
During a search of Tellis's home, the FBI and federal prosecutors recovered thousands of pages of documents labeled "TOP SECRET" and "SECRET." These documents contained critical information about US Air Force capabilities, weapons systems, and strategic technologies.
A court affidavit stated that Tellis printed classified documents, including details of military aircraft capabilities, several times in September 2023.
The investigation also revealed that Tellis held secret meetings with Chinese officials several times over the past few years. In September 2022, he was seen with Chinese representatives at a restaurant in Virginia, where he was carrying a manila folder.
Ashley Tellis Accused of Leaking US Defense Secrets to China
In April 2023, Tellis and Chinese officials discussed Iran-China relations and emerging military technologies. During a dinner meeting in September, Tellis was also seen receiving a gift bag from Chinese officials.
Ashley Tellis was a senior official with access to highly classified information on US national defense programs. He was also a senior researcher at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a leading think tank working on foreign policy and India-US relations.
Tellis had worked at the State Department since 2001 and was considered an expert on South Asian affairs, particularly India.
The Justice Department has charged Tellis with illegal possession of national defense information. This revelation has caused a stir among US intelligence agencies and defense experts.
An investigation is underway into whether Tellis handed over sensitive information to China. Teams from the FBI and the Department of War are also investigating his digital activities, bank transactions, and foreign contacts.
This case is being considered the latest in a growing trend of espionage and intelligence leaks in the US. The media is debating whether this is merely a "breach of protocol" or part of an ongoing espionage network for China.
US officials are also investigating the extent of Tellis's organized and dangerous activities.
