FBI Offers $200,000 Reward for Information on Former Agent Monica Witt
The FBI has announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Monica Witt, a former U.S. service member and counterintelligence agent facing espionage charges linked to Iran.
Witt, 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2019 for allegedly transmitting national defense information to the Iranian government. This information reportedly endangered U.S. personnel and their families stationed abroad, and it helped the Iranian regime target Witt’s former colleagues in the U.S. government.
“Monica Witt allegedly betrayed her oath to the Constitution more than a decade ago by defecting to Iran and providing the Iranian regime National Defense Information and likely continues to support their nefarious activities,” stated Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division.
Witt, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 2008, was an intelligence specialist and a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. After her military service, she worked as a government contractor until 2010.
Her previous role granted her access to highly classified information, including the identities of undercover U.S. intelligence personnel. In 2013, she reportedly defected to Iran, providing sensitive U.S. information, which could have aided Tehran significantly.
The FBI’s statement mentioned that Witt’s disclosures might benefit the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), known for its intelligence operations and support of terrorist organizations targeting U.S. interests.
“The FBI has not forgotten and believes that during this critical moment in Iran’s history, there is someone who knows something about her whereabouts,” Wierzbicki added. “The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.”
Witt, who speaks Farsi, is believed to be living in Iran and may be using aliases such as Fatemah Zahra or Narges Witt. The FBI described her as a native of El Paso, Texas, standing approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds.
If anyone has information about Witt, they are encouraged to reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or contact local field offices, U.S. embassies, or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
