The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to the capture and prosecution of Monica Elfriede Witt, a former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence specialist accused of committing espionage for Iran. Witt, 47, defected to Iran in 2013 and was later indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2019 on charges of delivering classified national defense information to Tehran’s government.

Who is Monica Witt?

Monica Witt served in the U.S. Air Force for over a decade, specializing in counterintelligence operations. During her military career, she was entrusted with top-secret security clearance, granting her access to sensitive information critical to national security. After leaving the Air Force in 2008, Witt reportedly became disillusioned with U.S. policies and later traveled to Iran, where she is believed to have defected and collaborated with Iranian intelligence services.

The Espionage Allegations

The indictment against Witt accuses her of providing Iran with classified details about U.S. intelligence operations, including the identities of covert agents and the methods employed to protect their missions. Her alleged actions are said to have compromised sensitive national security efforts and placed American operatives at risk. Prosecutors claim Witt worked closely with Iranian intelligence officials, aiding them in their efforts to target U.S. personnel.

In addition to her alleged betrayal, Witt has been linked to a malicious cyber campaign targeting her former colleagues in the intelligence community. According to the FBI, Iranian hackers, allegedly with Witt’s assistance, used fake online personas to gain access to sensitive information from U.S. operatives.

The FBI’s Efforts to Bring Witt to Justice

The FBI has been actively seeking Witt’s capture since her indictment was unsealed in 2019. Despite ongoing efforts, she remains at large and is believed to be residing in Iran. In a renewed push to apprehend her, the FBI has now increased the reward for information leading to her arrest to $200,000.

“Monica Witt’s betrayal is a stark reminder of the insider threat posed by those entrusted with our nation’s secrets,” said an FBI spokesperson in a statement. “We are committed to bringing her to justice for the grave harm she has caused to our national security.”

How to Report Information

The FBI is urging anyone with information about Witt’s whereabouts to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the nearest FBI office or online through the agency’s official website. The reward remains available to individuals whose information directly leads to Witt’s capture and successful prosecution.

• Contact the FBI: Individuals can call their local FBI office or submit tips via the FBI’s official website at tips.fbi.gov.
• Anonymous Reporting: Tipsters can remain anonymous while providing information about Witt’s location or activities.

As the search continues, Witt’s case serves as a chilling reminder of the potential consequences of espionage and the grave risks posed by insider threats to national security. The FBI continues to work closely with international partners in its efforts to locate and apprehend Witt, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in bringing her to justice.