The FBI announced Thursday a $200,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and prosecution of Monica Witt, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence agent accused of espionage, whose alleged defection to Iran 13 years ago directly endangered U.S. personnel and their families abroad. Officials allege Witt provided national defense information to the Iranian government, compromising the nation's security and benefiting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an entity described by the FBI as supporting multiple terrorist organizations targeting U.S. citizens and interests.
Witt, 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia 7 years ago on charges of espionage, including transmitting national defense information to the Iranian government. The FBI Washington Field Office confirmed the indictment.
Betrayal from Within
Witt served as an active-duty U.S. Air Force intelligence specialist and special agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, serving in the military between 18 and 29 years ago. She continued to work as a U.S. government contractor until 2010.
Her military service and contracting work provided her with access to highly sensitive national secrets, including top secret information related to foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations. This access included the true names of U.S. Intelligence Community undercover personnel, critical assets in the nation's defense.
Officials allege that in 2013, Witt became an elite defector, transferring her loyalty to Iran and providing information to the Iranian government. This act allegedly placed sensitive and classified U.S. national defense information and programs at severe risk, representing a profound dispossession of national secrets.
The FBI stated that Witt allegedly intentionally provided information that directly endangered U.S. personnel and their families stationed abroad. Furthermore, she is accused of conducting research on behalf of the Iranian regime, specifically to allow it to target her former colleagues within the U.S. government, thereby undermining the very institutions she once served.
Undermining National Defense
Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, stated that Monica Witt allegedly betrayed her oath to the Constitution more than a decade ago by defecting to Iran. He asserted that she provided the Iranian regime National Defense Information and likely continues to support their nefarious activities.
Special Agent Wierzbicki emphasized the FBI's unwavering commitment to justice, stating, “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. The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.” This call to action underscores the ongoing threat posed by her alleged actions.
The Hostile Beneficiary
The FBI explicitly stated that Witt’s defection has benefited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The bureau described the IRGC as having elements responsible for intelligence collection, unconventional warfare, and direct support to multiple terrorist organizations.
These terrorist organizations are identified as actively targeting U.S. citizens and interests, highlighting the transnational threat facilitated by the alleged betrayal of national secrets. Witt remains at large, is known to speak Farsi, and resides in Iran, potentially using aliases such as Fatemah Zahra or Narges Witt.
Anyone with information about Witt is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be shared with local FBI offices, the nearest American embassy or consulate, or submitted via tips.fbi.gov, as the nation seeks to reclaim its compromised security.