FBI $200,000 – Monica Witt, a former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence specialist accused of defecting to Iran, remains on the FBI’s most wanted list years after her 2019 espionage indictment. In May 2026, the FBI announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to her c
Monica Witt hasn’t been seen by U.S. investigators since she allegedly cut ties with the United States and moved into Iran’s orbit, but the FBI’s hunt for her is far from over. In May 2026, the agency put a fresh price tag on information leading to her capture: $200,000.
Witt, once a U.S.. Air Force counterintelligence specialist. was indicted in 2019 on espionage-related charges that prosecutors say involved sensitive national defense information and help for Iranian intelligence to target former U.S.. officials.. The FBI now believes she is living in Iran and may still be involved in intelligence operations there—meaning the case is still sitting in a high-stakes spot for national security investigators.
She was indicted on February 8. 2019. according to federal records cited by the FBI. and a federal arrest warrant was issued for her after the grand jury charged her with Conspiracy to Deliver National Defense Information to Representatives of a Foreign Government and Delivering National Defense Information to Representatives of a Foreign Government. specifically the Government of Iran.
Prosecutors accused Witt of exposing sensitive intelligence operations and of assisting Iranian intelligence services. The allegations include that she helped Iranian operatives identify and target her former American colleagues through cyber and surveillance efforts.
Before the courtroom phase of the case, Witt’s military background is central to why investigators say she had the access to make the alleged betrayal so damaging. Born in Texas in 1979, she reportedly served in the Air Force from 1997 to 2008, later working as a defense contractor.
During her Air Force career, investigators say she worked as a cryptologic linguist and counterintelligence specialist. She trained in Persian (Farsi) at the Defense Language Institute, and later served as an Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agent.
Her job. as described by federal investigators. is tied to highly sensitive work—top-secret intelligence involving covert operations. undercover personnel. and counterintelligence programs.. Authorities allege she used her intelligence background and knowledge of U.S.. operations to assist Iran after defecting. including becoming affiliated with Iranian intelligence-linked groups following travel to Iran for conferences in the early 2010s.
So where is Monica Witt now? The FBI believes she is currently living in Iran and may still be assisting Iranian intelligence operations. Investigators also say she could be using aliases, including “Fatemah Zahra” and “Narges Witt.”
When the FBI announced the May 2026 reward, it framed the push as urgent.. Daniel Wierzbicki. special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division. said in a May 2026 statement: “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.”
He added, “The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.”
For investigators. the search isn’t just about closing a long-running case—it’s about stopping a fugitive they believe may still be drawing on the training and access she once held.. With a $200. 000 reward now on the table. the FBI is signaling that if Witt is still in play. they want the public to help put her in handcuffs.
Monica Witt FBI Most Wanted counterintelligence Iran espionage charges $200 000 reward 2019 indictment aliases