The United States has detained a well-known Indian-origin scholar, , on charges of unlawfully retaining national defence information. According to the affidavit filed by US authorities, more than 1,000 pages of classified documents were found at Tellis's home in Virginia after investigations.
A federal court in Virginia ordered the arrest of Tellis, who has worked as a contractor in the department of defence's office of net assessment, on Tuesday pending a detention hearing next week.
According to US media news reports, if convicted, Tellis can face potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and forfeiture.
FBI finds top-secret documents at home
According to the criminal affidavit, FBI conducted a search at Tellis's Virginia home and found a trove of records, marked "SECRET" and "TOP SECRET". They were stored in filing cabinets and trash bags, according to FBI investigation.
The court documents alleged that the Indian-origin scholar printed classified documents on multiple occasions. He has also been accused of asking his colleagues to assist, including papers related to US military aircraft capabilities.
Surveillance video cited in the FBI affidavit shows him leaving both state department and defense department facilities carrying a briefcase believed to contain the printed documents.
Alleged meetings with Chinese officials
US authorities have also alleged that Tellis held multiple meetings with Chinese government representatives over the past several years. The affidavit includes one notable September 2022 dinner, when Tellis reportedly arrived with a manila folder, while the Chinese officials carried a gift bag.
Other encounters included a dinner on April 11, 2023, allegedly involving discussions on Iranian-Chinese relations and emerging technologies, according to authorities.
Tellis’ background and career
He is an expert in foreign policy specialising in South Asia. Tellis was also a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He has served on the White House National Security Council under President George W Bush.
He began working for the state department in 2001 and held top-secret clearance throughout his career. The justice department emphasised the sensitive nature of the documents involved and continues to investigate the matter.
Charges and legal proceedings
Federal prosecutors charged Tellis under 18 USC § 793(e) for the unlawful retention of national defence information. US attorney Lindsey Halligan said:
"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, told the Associated Press, "We look forward to the hearing, where we'll be able to present evidence," but declined further comment.
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