FBI Ups $200K Bounty on Ex-Air Force Spy Monica Witt Accused of Defecting to Iran | Latest Espionage Update

FBI Offers $200,000 Reward for Fugitive Former Air Force Counterintelligence Specialist Accused of Spying for Iran 

Washington, D.C. – May 16, 2026 – The FBI has announced a substantial $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Monica Elfriede Witt, a 47-year-old former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence agent charged with espionage for providing classified national defense information to the Iranian government after defecting more than a decade ago.

Witt, who served in the Air Force from 1997 to 2008 as an intelligence specialist and special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, later worked as a U.S. government contractor until 2010. Her roles granted her access to highly sensitive SECRET and TOP SECRET information, including details on foreign intelligence operations and the true identities of undercover U.S. Intelligence Community personnel.

According to the FBI, Witt defected to Iran in 2013 following invitations to all-expense-paid conferences in the country that promoted anti-Western propaganda. A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia indicted her in February 2019 on espionage charges, including conspiracy to deliver and actually delivering national defense information to representatives of a foreign government (Iran), with intent to injure the United States.

Prosecutors allege that after defecting, Witt provided Iran with information that compromised sensitive U.S. programs, endangered American personnel and their families abroad, and enabled the Iranian regime—specifically elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—to target her former colleagues. She is also accused of conducting research for Iran to aid in these efforts. Her actions are said to have benefited Iran's intelligence collection and support for terrorist organizations targeting U.S. interests.

Daniel Wierzbicki, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, stated in the May 14, 2026 announcement: “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. 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.”

Witt remains at large and is believed to be in Iran, where she may use aliases such as Fatemah Zahra or Narges Witt. She is described as a White female, approximately 5'6" tall, 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown/hazel eyes. She is known to speak Farsi. Authorities consider her an international flight risk.

Latest Updates (as of May 16, 2026): The reward announcement marks a renewed push in the long-running case amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. No new arrests or confirmed sightings have been reported, but the FBI emphasizes active efforts to locate her. Tips can be submitted anonymously to local FBI offices, U.S. embassies, or tips.fbi .gov. A detailed wanted poster with photos (including images in U.S. military uniform and with hijab) is available on the FBI website. 17GEN4.com

fbi.gov

FBI Ups $200K Bounty on Ex-Air Force Spy Monica Witt Accused of Defecting to Iran | Latest Espionage Update

Former U.S. counterintelligence agent Monica Elfriede Witt, indicted in 2019 for leaking classified intel to Iran after 2013 defection, is still on the run. FBI offers major reward amid fears she aids IRGC. Full details, photos, and how to report tips.