FBI Revives Hunt for Intelligence Officer Monica Witt Accused of Spying for Iran

The United States renewed efforts to locate former Air Force intelligence officer Monica Witt, offering a reward of up to $200,000 for information leading to her arrest, in a case American officials describe as one of the most damaging defections involving U.S. counterintelligence in recent years.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Witt — a former Air Force counterintelligence specialist indicted in 2019 on espionage-related charges — is believed to have defected to Iran in 2013 and may still be assisting Iranian intelligence operations.

The FBI said it continues to investigate Witt’s whereabouts, warning that she is “likely continuing to support malicious activities carried out by Iran.”

“During this critical moment in Iran’s history, someone likely knows where she is,” said Daniel Wierzbicki, the FBI special agent in charge of counterintelligence and cyber investigations in Washington, in remarks widely interpreted as a reference to heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The bureau urged the public to provide any information that could help authorities “bring Witt to justice.”

Witt previously served as a counterintelligence officer with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, where she worked on assignments across the Middle East between 2003 and 2008.

According to U.S. prosecutors, Iranian operatives allegedly targeted and recruited Witt before her defection. Former Assistant Attorney General John Demers said in 2019 that Witt disclosed highly sensitive intelligence information to Tehran, including details tied to a classified intelligence collection program.

American officials also alleged that she exposed the identity of a U.S. intelligence officer, placing that individual at significant risk.

Federal prosecutors claim Witt conspired with Iranian officials between 2012 and 2015 to deliver U.S. national defense information that could harm American interests and benefit Iran.

Court documents further alleged that, after arriving in Iran, Witt received housing, computer equipment, and logistical support from the Iranian government to facilitate her intelligence activities.

The indictment also charged four Iranian nationals with conspiracy, computer intrusion attempts, and identity theft linked to cyber operations targeting former U.S. intelligence personnel.

It remains unclear whether Witt has legal representation in the United States. Iranian authorities have never publicly acknowledged any role in her alleged activities.