The FBI has just announced a $200,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of Monica Witt, a former U.S. counterintelligence agent who is accused of defecting to Iran and sharing classified defense information a case that has cast a shadow over U.S. intelligence security for over a decade.

Who Is Monica Witt and Why Is She Wanted?

Monica Elfriede Witt was once a trusted member of the U.S. intelligence community. Born in El Paso, Texas, she served in the U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 2008, working as a counterintelligence specialist with access to highly sensitive information including names of undercover personnel and national defense data at SECRET and TOP‑SECRET levels. After leaving active service, she continued as a government contractor until 2010.

But in 2013, prosecutors allege Witt made a dramatic and controversial decision: she defected to Iran and began providing intelligence to Iranian officials, putting U.S. personnel, operations and national security at risk.

Espionage Charges: What Authorities Say

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Witt in February 2019 on espionage charges, including conspiracy to transmit classified information to a foreign government and delivering national defense information directly to representatives of Iran.

Federal authorities allege that Witt’s actions benefited elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite Iranian force involved in intelligence collection and unconventional warfare further raising concerns about the impact of her alleged espionage.

Officials also say she may have conducted research to help Iranian intelligence target her former U.S. colleagues.

FBI Reward: $200,000 for Information Leading to Arrest

On May 14, 2026, the FBI Washington Field Office publicly announced a reward of up to $200,000 for verified information that leads to Witt’s apprehension and prosecution. The bureau stressed that it has not forgotten about her and believes someone — perhaps with knowledge of her whereabouts — can help bring her to justice.

According to the FBI notice:

  • The offer is open to anyone with actionable information.
  • Tips can be submitted via the FBI tip line or through local embassy/consulate channels.
  • The agency remains committed to tracking her down as geopolitical tensions remain high.

Where Is Monica Witt Now? What Authorities Believe

Witt remains at large and believed to be in Iran, where she may be living under one of several known aliases, including Fatemah Zahra and Narges Witt. Federal law enforcement believes she is fluent in Farsi and could still have ties with Iranian intelligence.

Despite the indictment being several years old, the FBI’s renewed public effort — including a wanted poster — is aimed at reigniting attention and urging the public to come forward if anyone has credible information.

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Security Implications and Reactions

The case has drawn continued attention from security experts, intelligence watchers and global media because:

  • Witt had deep access to U.S. defense secrets during her military and counterintelligence career.
  • Her alleged defection to Iran and possible ongoing connection to Iranian intelligence highlights long‑term risks from insider threats.
  • The FBI’s public reward indicates the seriousness with which U.S. authorities view her alleged actions.

Officials say information leading to her capture can make a tangible impact on national security, especially as global tensions fluctuate.