FBI Offers $200K Reward for Former Air Force Officer Monica Witt: 5 Key Facts About the Alleged Iran Defector

FBI Offers $200K Reward for Former Air Force Officer Monica Witt: 5 Key Facts About the Alleged Iran Defector

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has renewed its search for former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence officer Monica Elfriede Witt, offering a reward of up to $200,000 for information leading to her arrest. Witt, who allegedly defected to Iran in 2013, is accused of leaking sensitive U.S. defense information.

Authorities say the renewed push to locate her comes at what they describe as a “critical moment in Iran’s history,” highlighting the continued national security importance of the case.

FBI Renews Call for Information

In a recent statement, FBI Washington Field Office Counterintelligence and Cyber Division chief Daniel Wierzbicki urged the public to help bring Witt to justice. The agency believes capturing her could provide valuable intelligence and accountability in a long-running espionage investigation.

Media coverage, including reporting by CNN, notes that the case dates back to court proceedings spanning 2012–2015, when prosecutors first alleged she shared classified national defense information.

1) Former Counterintelligence Officer With Middle East Experience

Witt served with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations between 2003 and 2008 as a counterintelligence specialist. Much of her work involved assignments in the Middle East, experience investigators believe may have played a role in her eventual defection.

2) Texas Native and Persian Language Specialist

Originally from Texas, Witt joined the Air Force in 1997 and studied Persian at the Defense Language Institute. After transitioning into special investigations, she remained involved with Air Force intelligence activities until at least 2010.

3) Religious Conversion and Alleged Connections

According to public records, Witt converted to Islam in 2012 and later became associated with Marzieh Hashemi, whom authorities have described as a suspected Iranian operative in the U.S. Investigators believe this connection helped facilitate Witt’s alleged move to Iran.

4) Indicted in 2019 for Espionage Charges

Witt was formally indicted in 2019 by then–Assistant Attorney General John Demers. Prosecutors accused her of providing Iran with details about a highly classified intelligence collection program and exposing U.S. personnel.

5) Current Location Remains Unknown

Officials say Witt’s whereabouts remain unclear. It is not known whether she still resides in Iran or has legal representation in the United States. Public information about her family or personal life in the U.S. is also limited.

The FBI continues to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward as the long-running espionage case remains active.