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FBI Offers $200K for Monica Witt, Accused Iran Spy

5/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The FBI offers a $200,000 reward for information that leads to Monica Witt’s arrest.
The agency warns Witt still aids Iran’s intelligence amid nuclear talks.
A grand jury indicted Witt in February 2019 on espionage charges and charged four Iranians with conspiracy, computer intrusion and aggravated identity theft for assisting her.
The FBI asks tipsters to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, visit tips.fbi.gov, or contact a U.S. embassy for her whereabouts.

History

Historical Context

Aldrich Ames, a CIA counterintelligence officer, began spying for the Soviet KGB in April 1985, receiving $50,000 for his first documents and ultimately $4.6 million. After years of unexplained wealth, FBI surveillance led to his February 21 1994 arrest, guilty plea and life sentence. The case spurred tighter U.S. counter-intelligence cooperation, a backdrop for today’s FBI reward for former officer Monica Witt.

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Story summary

The FBI offers a $200,000 reward for information that leads to Monica Witt’s arrest.
The agency warns Witt still aids Iran’s intelligence amid nuclear talks.
A grand jury indicted Witt in February 2019 on espionage charges and charged four Iranians with conspiracy, computer intrusion and aggravated identity theft for assisting her.
The FBI asks tipsters to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, visit tips.fbi.gov, or contact a U.S. embassy for her whereabouts.

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