FBI Offers $200,000 Reward for Information on Defector Monica Witt

FBI Seeks Information on Monica Witt

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has put forth a reward of $200,000 for any leads that could result in the capture and prosecution of Monica Witt, a former counterintelligence officer in the US Air Force. Witt is accused of defecting to Iran and leaking classified US intelligence to the Iranian government. The FBI reported that a federal grand jury in Washington, DC, indicted her on espionage charges in February 2019, which include allegations of transmitting national defense information to Iran. The agency believes she has been residing in Iran since her defection in 2013 and remains unaccounted for. In a recent announcement, the FBI expressed its ongoing efforts to locate Witt, suggesting that she may still be aiding Iran's harmful activities.

Background on Monica Witt

Monica Witt served as an intelligence specialist and special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations from 1997 until 2008, after which she worked as a contractor for the US government until 2010. During her military career, she had access to classified information, including the identities of undercover US intelligence agents. US officials allege that Witt experienced an ideological transformation prior to her defection to Iran. Prosecutors have referenced court documents indicating that she participated in conferences associated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard before moving to Tehran. The Justice Department has accused her of assisting Iranian intelligence in targeting her former colleagues in the US. Allegations include her provision of sensitive information regarding classified counterintelligence programs and the identities of intelligence personnel. The FBI has stated that Witt's actions have aided the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is known for its intelligence operations and support for militant organizations. In its latest communication, the FBI reiterated its commitment to the case and encouraged anyone with information about Witt's location to step forward. FBI official Daniel Wierzbicki remarked that Witt has allegedly “betrayed her oath to the Constitution” by defecting to Iran and may still be supporting the regime's activities.