The FBI has announced a $200,000 reward for information that could help authorities locate and arrest Monica Witt, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence specialist accused of spying for Iran.
According to the FBI, Witt is believed to have defected to Iran in 2013 and may still be supporting activities linked to the Iranian government.
The renewed announcement highlights continuing concerns inside the United States over foreign espionage and national security threats involving Iran.
Who Is Monica Witt?
Monica Witt previously worked as a counterintelligence officer for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Between 2003 and 2008, her assignments reportedly involved intelligence and counterintelligence work connected to the Middle East.
Federal officials later accused Witt of betraying classified U.S. intelligence after allegedly being recruited by Iranian operatives.
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Monica Witt |
| Former Role | Air Force intelligence specialist |
| Accused By | FBI and U.S. Justice Department |
| Alleged Defection | 2013 |
| Reward Offered | $200,000 |
| Main Allegation | Spying for Iran |
FBI Says Witt May Still Be Working With Iran
In Thursday’s statement, the FBI said it believes Witt “likely continues to support” activities connected to Iran.
Daniel Wierzbicki, who leads the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, urged the public to come forward with information about her whereabouts.
The agency suggested the current tensions between the United States and Iran make the case especially important.
The FBI stated that it has not forgotten the case and continues working to bring Witt to justice.
Serious Espionage Allegations Filed in 2019
Witt was formally charged in 2019 with multiple national security-related offenses.
According to prosecutors, she allegedly:
- Shared classified U.S. defense information
- Revealed details about intelligence operations
- Exposed the identity of a U.S. intelligence officer
- Worked with Iranian government officials
Former Assistant Attorney General John Demers previously claimed that Witt disclosed information about a “highly classified intelligence collection program.”
Officials argued that exposing the identity of an intelligence officer may have placed that individual’s life at risk.
Prosecutors Say Iran Recruited Witt
Federal prosecutors alleged that Iranian officials recruited Witt before she defected.
Court documents claimed she conspired with Iranian individuals between 2012 and 2015 to provide information related to U.S. national defense.
According to the indictment, Iranian officials allegedly provided Witt with:
- Housing
- Computer equipment
- Other support services
Authorities said the support was intended to help her continue working for Iran after leaving the United States.
Four Iranians Also Charged
The 2019 indictment also included charges against four Iranian nationals.
They were accused of:
- Computer intrusion conspiracy
- Attempted hacking
- Aggravated identity theft
Federal investigators claimed the group targeted current and former U.S. government personnel as part of cyber and intelligence operations linked to Iran.
Espionage Cases Remain Major National Security Concern
Cases involving alleged spying and intelligence leaks are treated as serious threats by U.S. authorities because they can compromise military operations, intelligence programs, and the safety of government personnel.
The Monica Witt case remains one of the most high-profile examples involving a former American intelligence officer accused of defecting to a foreign adversary.
The FBI continues asking the public for help locating her and encourages anyone with information to contact federal investigators.
