The Federal Bureau of Investigation is again publicly soliciting information regarding Monica Elfriede Witt, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence specialist. A grand jury indicted Witt on February 8, 2019, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, charging her with conspiracy to deliver national defense information to representatives of the Government of Iran, and the delivery of such information. The agency has now posted a $200,000 reward for details leading to her arrest, indicating an ongoing pursuit despite the passage of time since the indictment.
Witt, who held a position as a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, allegedly had access to classified and top-secret information. Prosecutors assert that this access included the identities of U.S. intelligence personnel operating undercover, details concerning classified counterintelligence programs, and information that could benefit Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC is described by U.S. officials as an elite force involved in intelligence gathering, unconventional warfare, and supporting groups hostile to U.S. interests.
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Defection and Alleged Actions
Authorities believe Monica Witt defected to Iran in 2013. The indictment details allegations that from approximately January 2012 to May 2015, Witt conspired with Iranian nationals to furnish documents and information pertaining to U.S. national defense. The intent, prosecutors claim, was to benefit Iran and potentially harm the United States. Following her alleged defection, Iranian government officials are said to have provided Witt with resources, including housing and computer equipment, to facilitate her purported activities.
Renewed Urgency and Public Appeal
Special Agent in Charge Daniel Wierzbicki of the FBI Washington Field Office's Counterintelligence and Cyber Division emphasized the agency's persistent efforts, 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." This statement suggests a strategic renewal of the investigation, potentially linked to current geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The FBI is actively seeking tips that can be submitted through various channels, including local FBI offices, American embassies and consulates, or directly via tips.fbi.gov. Witt is considered an international flight risk, and her current whereabouts are believed to be in Iran, though the FBI is actively working to confirm her location and facilitate her apprehension.
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Background on the Case
Monica Elfriede Witt's alleged collaboration with Iranian intelligence services has placed her at the center of a long-running national security investigation. The charges against her highlight concerns about former intelligence personnel potentially compromising sensitive U.S. operations and personnel. The indictment also includes charges against four Iranian nationals in connection with a cyber campaign targeting U.S. intelligence personnel. The FBI's renewed focus underscores the persistent nature of counterintelligence threats and the agency's commitment to bringing individuals accused of espionage to justice.
