From counterintelligence to serving Iran: Washington pursues the defector officer
U.S. intelligence agencies are conducting an open pursuit of a defector officer who worked on behalf of Iran.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has offered a $200,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of Monica Witt, a former Air Force intelligence officer charged with espionage on behalf of Iran in 2019, according to CNN.
In a notice issued Thursday, the FBI said it is still seeking to determine the whereabouts of Monica Witt, “who is believed to have defected and traveled to Iran in 2013.” It added that it believes Witt “is likely still continuing to support Iran’s malicious activities.”
Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division in Washington, said in a statement: “The FBI has not forgotten this matter and believes that at this critical moment in Iran’s history, someone must know something about her location” — a possible reference to ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
The Bureau added: “The FBI would like to receive information from you so that you can help us capture Witt and bring her to justice.”
Witt was a former counterintelligence officer with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Between 2003 and 2008, her duties included counterintelligence assignments that took her to the Middle East.
In 2019, then-Assistant Attorney General John Demers said that Witt had been targeted and recruited by Iran. He added that after her defection, she revealed to Iran the existence of a “highly classified intelligence collection program,” as well as the identity of a U.S. intelligence officer, “thereby putting that individual’s life at risk.”
According to prosecutors, the indictment states that from approximately January 2012 through May 2015, in Iran and elsewhere outside the United States, Witt conspired with Iranian individuals to provide “documents and information relating to the national defense of the United States, with the intent and firm belief that the information would be used to harm the United States and benefit Iran.”
According to the indictment, after her defection, Iranian government officials provided Witt with “goods and services, including housing and computer equipment,” to facilitate her work on their behalf.
It remains unclear whether Witt has legal representation in the United States. The indictment also charges four Iranians with conspiracy, attempted computer intrusions, and identity theft.
