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The FBI is now rewarding any information that can lead to the capture of the former counterintelligence agent.
When someone walks away from their country with top-level secrets, the trail usually goes cold.
Years can pass without a single whisper of their whereabouts.
But sometimes, authorities shake the trees with serious cash.
A hefty price
The FBI just announced a massive payout to help catch a former military insider accused of spying on behalf of Iran.
The agency is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Monica Witt.
According to the FBI Washington Field Office, the former counterintelligence agent faces serious espionage charges. Investigators believe she handed classified materials directly to the Iranian government.
Witt joined the United States Air Force as a linguist in 1997. She eventually became a special agent, holding high-level security clearances until she left the military in 2008.
Crossing the line
Her access allowed her to view some of the nation’s most sensitive files. That included the true identities of undercover intelligence officers working abroad.
The situation took a dark turn more than a decade ago. Officials say Witt officially defected to Iran in 2013, taking her vast operational knowledge with her.
A federal grand jury formally indicted her in 2019. The charges accused the former agent of exposing top-secret defense programs and intentionally placing American personnel at immense risk.
Shaking the trees
Investigators claim she did not just hand over documents. They allege Witt actively researched her former government colleagues, helping Iranian operatives target the people she once worked with.
Despite the severe federal charges, the former intelligence specialist remains entirely off the grid. She currently lives inside Iran, reportedly hiding under assumed names such as Fatemah Zahra.
Daniel Wierzbicki leads the counterintelligence division in Washington. He made the agency’s position completely clear in a prepared statement on Thursday.
A final plea
“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,” Wierzbicki stated.
Federal authorities are betting that cash will finally tempt someone into talking. They urge anyone with information to come forward immediately.
“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,” Wierzbicki added. “The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.”
Sources: FBI Washington Field Office
