Former U.S. intelligence officer Monica Witt is wanted by the FBI for espionage
15 may 2026 в 21:37
Monika Elfriede Witt has attracted media attention for several years due to her alleged involvement in one of the most shocking espionage scandals in U.S. military history. The former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence specialist has been accused of deserting to Iran and passing secret information to the Iranian government.
«The FBI has not forgotten and believes that at this critical moment in Iran’s history, there is someone who knows something about her whereabouts», - said Daniel Virzbicky, a special agent responsible for counterintelligence and cybersecurity at the FBI’s Washington office, in a statement in May 2026, according to CNN. «The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and hold her accountable».
Here’s what is known about Witt, her past, and the allegations against her.
Witt joined the U.S. Air Force in 1997 and served until 2008. During her military career, she was a counterintelligence specialist and a cryptologic linguist, focusing on operations and intelligence in the Middle East.
According to numerous sources, Witt had access to sensitive information and held a clearance for classified data while working in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI).
After retiring from active duty, Witt continued to work in intelligence as a government contractor until around 2010. According to federal authorities, her involvement in classified projects provided her with ongoing access to sensitive national defense information.
Authorities claim that the knowledge and training Witt received during her military service and work as a contractor were used to assist Iran after her departure from the U.S.
In February 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice announced espionage charges against Witt. Prosecutors accused her of conspiring to transmit national defense information to the Iranian government after she allegedly deserted to Iran in 2013.
The indictment stated that Witt disclosed the identities of American intelligence officers and assisted Iranian cyber operatives in targeting Americans through hacking attacks and surveillance campaigns.
Authorities believe that Witt traveled to Iran to participate in conferences related to anti-American propaganda before deserting. Investigators say Witt became increasingly involved with Iranian organizations and decided to remain in the country permanently.
The FBI claims that Witt used other names while abroad and continued to assist Iranian intelligence after her desertion.
Witt has been wanted for several years.
In 2026, the FBI once again drew public attention to Witt’s case, offering a reward of up to $ 200,000 for information leading to her arrest. Federal officials described her as a fugitive wanted for alleged espionage activities related to Iran.
The Bureau warned that Witt’s actions could jeopardize operations and personnel of American intelligence. Her case is considered one of the most high-profile examples of an American intelligence officer accused of deserting to a foreign adversary
«The FBI has not forgotten and believes that at this critical moment in Iran’s history, there is someone who knows something about her whereabouts», - said Daniel Virzbicky, a special agent responsible for counterintelligence and cybersecurity at the FBI’s Washington office, in a statement in May 2026, according to CNN. «The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and hold her accountable».
Here’s what is known about Witt, her past, and the allegations against her.
Witt joined the U.S. Air Force in 1997 and served until 2008. During her military career, she was a counterintelligence specialist and a cryptologic linguist, focusing on operations and intelligence in the Middle East.
According to numerous sources, Witt had access to sensitive information and held a clearance for classified data while working in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI).
After retiring from active duty, Witt continued to work in intelligence as a government contractor until around 2010. According to federal authorities, her involvement in classified projects provided her with ongoing access to sensitive national defense information.
Authorities claim that the knowledge and training Witt received during her military service and work as a contractor were used to assist Iran after her departure from the U.S.
In February 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice announced espionage charges against Witt. Prosecutors accused her of conspiring to transmit national defense information to the Iranian government after she allegedly deserted to Iran in 2013.
The indictment stated that Witt disclosed the identities of American intelligence officers and assisted Iranian cyber operatives in targeting Americans through hacking attacks and surveillance campaigns.
Authorities believe that Witt traveled to Iran to participate in conferences related to anti-American propaganda before deserting. Investigators say Witt became increasingly involved with Iranian organizations and decided to remain in the country permanently.
The FBI claims that Witt used other names while abroad and continued to assist Iranian intelligence after her desertion.
Witt has been wanted for several years.
In 2026, the FBI once again drew public attention to Witt’s case, offering a reward of up to $ 200,000 for information leading to her arrest. Federal officials described her as a fugitive wanted for alleged espionage activities related to Iran.
The Bureau warned that Witt’s actions could jeopardize operations and personnel of American intelligence. Her case is considered one of the most high-profile examples of an American intelligence officer accused of deserting to a foreign adversary
© Kolganov Andrey
