Full Breakdown
FBI Offers $200,000 Reward for Capture of Former Air Force Counterintelligence Specialist Monica Witt
5/16/2026, 3:29:10 AM
Reward Announcement and Charges
The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Monica Witt, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence specialist and counter-intelligence officer. A Washington, D.C., federal grand jury indicted Witt in February 2019 on multiple espionage counts, alleging that she transmitted classified national-defense information to the Islamic Republic of Iran after defecting in 2013. The indictment also accuses her of endangering U.S. personnel abroad and of researching Iranian targets among former U.S. intelligence colleagues.
Background: Service, Contractor Role, and Defection
Witt served in the Air Force from 1997 to 2008, including assignments with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and training in Farsi. After leaving active duty she worked as a Department of Defense contractor until 2010, positions that gave her access to secret and top-secret foreign-intelligence and counter-intelligence data, including the identities of undercover U.S. intelligence officers. In 2012 she attended an Iran-hosted conference described by the Justice Department as anti-Western propaganda; she returned to Iran in 2013 and has remained there, according to the FBI.
Key Figures and Organizations
- Monica Witt – 47-year-old former Air Force intelligence specialist, now a fugitive in Iran.
- Daniel Wierzbicki – Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, the primary spokesperson on the case.
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – Iran’s elite military branch, identified by the FBI as benefiting from Witt’s alleged disclosures.
- U.S. Department of Justice – Prosecuted the 2019 indictment and continues to seek Witt’s apprehension.
Data and Statistics
- Reward: $200,000.
- Service years: 1997-2008 (Air Force); contractor until 2010.
- Defection: 2013.
- Indictment date: February 2019.
- Physical description (FBI): White female, 5 ft 6 in (or 5 ft 10 in in some releases), 120 lb, brown hair and eyes; aliases include Fatemah Zahra and Narges Witt.
Official Statements & Responses
FBI officials emphasized that Witt’s alleged actions “placed at risk sensitive and classified U.S. national-defense information and programs” and “endangered U.S. personnel and their families stationed abroad.” The agency linked the reward to the heightened strategic environment of the U.S.–Iran conflict, noting that “during this critical moment in Iran’s history, there is someone who knows something about her whereabouts.” The FBI reiterated its willingness to receive tips through 1-800-CALL-FBI, local offices, or U.S. embassies and consulates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Monica Witt allegedly betrayed her oath to the Constitution more than a decade ago by defecting to Iran and providing the Iranian regime National Defense Information and likely continues to support their nefarious activities,” — Daniel Wierzbicki, FBI
- “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.” — Daniel Wierzbicki
- “Witt allegedly intentionally provided information endangering U.S. personnel and their families stationed abroad. She also allegedly conducted research on behalf of the Iranian regime to allow them to target her former colleagues in the U.S. government.” — FBI press release
- “She also allegedly conducted research on behalf of the Iranian regime to allow them to target her former colleagues in the U.S. government.” — FBI press release
- “The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.” — Daniel Wierzbicki
Implications and Ongoing Conflict
Witt’s alleged transfer of classified intelligence to the IRGC is portrayed as a direct threat to U.S. operational security, especially as the United States and Iran remain engaged in a protracted conflict that began in February 2024. The case underscores concerns about insider threats, the vulnerability of defense contractors, and the challenges of locating fugitives who have taken refuge in hostile states.
Next Steps for the Public
Anyone with information about Witt’s location is urged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, contact the nearest FBI field office, or submit a tip via tips.fbi.gov or through the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The FBI stresses that timely information could lead to the reward and to the prosecution of a person it describes as a national-security risk.
