FBI Offers Reward for Information on Former Intelligence Officer

The FBI has recently announced a $200,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest and indictment of Monica Witt. She is a former U.S. military officer and counterintelligence agent, who was indicted on espionage charges in February 2019. These charges involve allegedly transmitting national defense information to the Iranian government.

Witt, who is 47 years old, served as an Air Force intelligence specialist and as a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations from 1997 until 2008. After her military career, she continued to work as a U.S. government contractor until 2010, according to a release from the FBI’s Washington field office.

Her background gave her access to sensitive information, including the identities of U.S. undercover intelligence agents. Allegations suggest that Witt defected to Iran in 2013 and shared critical information with their government, which posed a risk to U.S. defense operations and personnel.

Further accusations indicate that she provided information that could jeopardize the safety of U.S. military members and their families abroad. Witt is also believed to have conducted research for the Iranian regime to identify and target former U.S. colleagues.

The FBI acknowledged that her defection has been beneficial for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which is known for its intelligence activities and support of various terrorist organizations harmful to U.S. interests.

Witt remains at large despite the charges against her. She is fluent in Farsi, is thought to be living in Iran, and may have adopted aliases like Fatema Zahra or Narges Wit.

The FBI has committed to vigorously pursuing Witt in order to bring her to justice. Daniel Wierzbicki, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, commented on her betrayal, saying, “Monica Witt betrayed her oath to the Constitution by defecting to Iran more than a decade ago, allegedly providing defense intelligence to the Iranian regime, and likely continuing to support their heinous activities.”

Wierzbicki also urged anyone who might have information about Witt’s whereabouts, particularly during this significant moment in Iran’s history, to reach out to the FBI.

If you have any tips regarding Witt, you can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, reach out to your local FBI office, or submit tips through tips.fbi.gov.