The FBI is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Monica Elfriede Witt, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence specialist accused of defecting to Iran and providing sensitive national defense information to Iranian intelligence services.
Federal authorities say Witt remains at large years after being indicted, and the bureau continues active efforts to locate her as part of an ongoing counterintelligence investigation.
Officials say the case remains a priority due to the nature of the alleged disclosures and Witt’s prior access to highly classified U.S. intelligence systems.
Authorities argue the situation highlights the long-term national security risks posed when individuals with intelligence training and security clearances allegedly cooperate with foreign adversaries after leaving government service.
Witt served in the U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 2008 as a counterintelligence and intelligence specialist with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
She later worked as a Defense Department contractor until 2010, a period during which she reportedly had access to SECRET and TOP SECRET materials involving U.S. intelligence operations and personnel.
According to court filings and federal investigators, Witt traveled to Iran in 2012 and later defected in 2013.
Authorities say she subsequently made contact with Iranian intelligence services and began providing information that compromised U.S. national security interests.
Officials also allege she received logistical assistance following her defection, including housing and computer equipment intended to support her activities, according to CNN.
Prosecutors further allege that Witt transmitted classified information to Iranian government officials, including intelligence tied to U.S. defense capabilities and sensitive operational data.
She is also accused of conducting research on former colleagues in the U.S. intelligence community, which authorities say was used to help Iranian intelligence identify and target American personnel.
The indictment also links Witt to a broader espionage-related case involving four Iranian nationals charged with conspiracy and cyber-related offenses, including identity theft and alleged efforts to gather intelligence on U.S. government officials.
Prosecutors say the coordinated activity reflects a wider effort by Iranian intelligence networks to exploit access to former U.S. personnel, CBS News reported.
Officials say Witt’s alleged actions benefited elements of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plays a central role in the country’s intelligence and military operations.
Authorities argue the case underscores ongoing concerns about foreign intelligence services targeting individuals with prior access to U.S. classified systems, particularly those with counterintelligence backgrounds.
“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,” said Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division. “The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, their local FBI office, or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
A public wanted notice remains active as investigators continue efforts to locate Witt and assess her activities abroad.
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