Monica Witt, once a U.S. Air Force counterintelligence specialist, continues to elude authorities years after she allegedly defected to Iran and disclosed classified intelligence to its government. The FBI has renewed focus on her case by offering a $200,000 reward for information that could help locate and apprehend her.
Witt faced federal charges in 2019, including conspiracy to deliver and delivering national defense information to a foreign government. Prosecutors accuse her of assisting Iranian intelligence by exposing covert U.S. operations and helping target former American intelligence officers through cyber and surveillance activities.
During her tenure in the Air Force, Witt worked primarily as a cryptologic linguist and counterintelligence specialist. She trained in Persian at the Defense Language Institute and served as a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Her role granted access to sensitive and top-secret intelligence concerning undercover personnel and classified programs.
Born in Texas in 1979, Witt served from 1997 through 2008 before transitioning to defense contracting. Authorities contend she established ties with Iranian intelligence groups after attending conferences in Iran during the early 2010s, ultimately defecting in 2013.
The FBI currently believes Witt resides in Iran, potentially operating under aliases such as "Fatemah Zahra" or "Narges Witt." She remains on the bureau’s most wanted list, with officials emphasizing the ongoing risk posed by her alleged collaboration with Iranian intelligence.