The Federal Bureau of Investigation has announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of former US Air Force intelligence specialist, Monica Witt, who was charged in 2019 for allegedly spying for Iran.
In a statement released on Thursday, the FBI said Witt, who reportedly defected to Iran in 2013, remains wanted by US authorities and is believed to still be supporting Iranian intelligence operations.
The agency said it was renewing efforts to locate her amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
“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.
“We want to hear from anyone who can help us apprehend Witt and bring her to justice,” the FBI added.
Witt previously worked as a counterintelligence officer with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations between 2003 and 2008, handling assignments related to the Middle East.
According to US prosecutors, she was allegedly recruited by Iran before defecting and later exposed sensitive American intelligence operations.
Former Assistant Attorney General John Demers had alleged in 2019 that Witt revealed details of a highly classified intelligence programme and disclosed the identity of a US intelligence officer, putting the officer’s life at risk.
Court documents also claimed that between 2012 and 2015, Witt conspired with Iranian operatives to provide classified US national defence information to Iran.
Prosecutors further alleged that after relocating to Iran, she received support from the Iranian government, including housing and computer equipment, to assist her activities.
The indictment filed in the case also charged four Iranian nationals with conspiracy, attempted computer intrusion and aggravated identity theft linked to cyber operations targeting US intelligence personnel.
