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WASHINGTON — The FBI has announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Monica Witt, a former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence specialist accused of defecting to Iran and exposing classified U.S. intelligence operations.

The renewed appeal—reiterated across multiple outlets including CNN, the New York Post, and the Economic Times—marks a fresh push by federal authorities to locate Witt, who has been at large for years and is believed to be residing in Iran.

Allegations of Espionage and Defection

According to U.S. authorities, Witt served in the Air Force from 1997 to 2008 and later worked as a government contractor, roles that granted her access to highly sensitive intelligence materials, including the identities of undercover U.S. operatives.

Federal prosecutors allege she defected to Iran in 2013 and subsequently provided classified information to Iranian intelligence services. She was indicted in 2019 on multiple espionage-related charges.

Officials further claim Witt assisted Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by sharing intelligence that could have endangered American personnel and ongoing operations abroad.

FBI: “She Betrayed Her Oath”

The FBI emphasized the seriousness of the allegations in a statement accompanying the reward announcement, describing Witt’s actions as a betrayal of national trust.

Authorities believe she may be using aliases and is fluent in Farsi, complicating efforts to track her down. She is also believed to have maintained contact with Iranian intelligence networks after her defection.

International Manhunt Continues

The FBI says it continues to actively pursue leads, encouraging anyone with information to come forward through official channels, including the agency’s tip line and overseas diplomatic posts.

The $200,000 reward reflects renewed urgency amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions and ongoing counterintelligence concerns.

Long-Running Case Re-Emerges

Originally indicted in 2019, Witt’s case has remained one of the most closely watched U.S. espionage investigations involving a former military intelligence insider.

Officials argue her access to classified data during her service and contracting work made her particularly valuable to foreign intelligence services.