FBI Offers $200,000 Reward for Former U.S. Intelligence Officer Accused of Spying for Iran

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has announced a reward of $200,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer Monica Witt, who is accused of spying for Iran.

In a statement released on Thursday, the FBI said Witt has been a fugitive for the past 11 years and is believed to still be assisting Iran in what the agency described as “malicious” activities.

Monica Witt previously served as a counterintelligence officer with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Between 2003 and 2008, she participated in several highly sensitive intelligence missions in the Middle East.

U.S. authorities believe Witt defected to Iran in 2013, betraying the United States. In 2019, she was formally charged in absentia with espionage-related offenses.

According to investigators, Witt was recruited and influenced by Iranian intelligence agencies. Prosecutors allege that after defecting, she disclosed details about a highly classified U.S. intelligence collection program and revealed the identity of a senior American intelligence official to Iran.

Officials said the disclosures placed the officer’s life at serious risk and caused damage to U.S. national defense interests.

Investigators also allege that between 2012 and 2015, Witt worked with Iranian operatives to transfer sensitive documents and information. In return, the Iranian government reportedly provided her with housing, computer equipment and other benefits.

In a statement, Daniel Wierzbicki of the FBI Washington Field Office said, “The FBI has not forgotten this case. Given the current global environment, we believe someone knows Monica Witt’s whereabouts, and we are seeking the public’s assistance to bring her to justice.”

In addition to Witt, four Iranian nationals have also been accused in connection with the alleged conspiracy, including charges related to hacking and identity concealment.

U.S. intelligence officials believe Witt is currently residing in Iran. Analysts say the reward announcement by the administration of Donald Trump is intended to encourage informants worldwide to provide information about her whereabouts.