Ashley Tellis, a prominent US-India relations expert and former government adviser, was arrested for unlawfully retaining over 1,000 classified national defense documents from his Virginia residence.

Surveillance footage reveals Tellis accessed classified files through the State Department's system and visited a Department of Defense facility in 2023 and 2024, raising concerns about security breaches.

The arrest occurred just before Tellis and his family planned to fly to Rome, with authorities suggesting the timing may indicate an attempt to remove documents from the US, although no direct evidence of transfer has been confirmed.

The FBI recovered the documents during a search, and the US Department of Justice has charged Tellis with possession of defense-related materials, which could lead to up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The State Department and Pentagon confirmed his arrest but declined to comment further due to ongoing litigation, and his legal team plans to challenge the charges.

The case underscores serious concerns about mishandling classified information and the potential security risks posed by foreign influence, especially amid investigations into whether any information was passed to China.

While investigations are ongoing, there is no public evidence yet of classified information being transferred to China, but the pattern of meetings and possession of sensitive documents has heightened security concerns.

The case highlights broader issues of oversight and security protocols for individuals with access to sensitive US defense and diplomatic information, especially external advisers.

Tellis's interactions with Chinese officials, including receiving a gift bag during a dinner on September 2, and his recent skepticism of US-India relations, have added geopolitical tension to the case.

Reactions from the US foreign policy community have expressed shock and concern, given Tellis's influential role and contributions to strategic policy, alongside calls for fairness in the legal process.

China’s embassy in Beijing has not commented on the arrest, but the case highlights ongoing tensions related to foreign influence and national security in the US.

The investigation remains active, with further updates expected as authorities continue examining whether any classified information was improperly disclosed or transferred.