The U.S. government is once again focusing attention on Monica Elfriede Witt, a former United States Air Force intelligence specialist, by offering a $200,000 reward for information that leads to her arrest and prosecution.
Who Monica Witt Is
Monica Witt was born in El Paso, Texas, in 1979 and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1997. She served as a counterintelligence specialist and later worked as a government contractor.
During her time in the military and with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, she handled sensitive and classified information, including details related to U.S. intelligence operations.
Witt left active duty in 2008 and ended her work with the Defense Department by 2010.
What She Is Accused Of
According to U.S. prosecutors, Witt defected to Iran in 2013, shortly after attending some events there that were critical of the United States. Once in Iran, federal authorities say she provided highly classified national defense information to Iranian officials.
The 2019 federal indictment accuses her of delivering sensitive data that included details about U.S. intelligence programs and the identities of undercover personnel. Authorities also say she conducted online research that helped Iranian intelligence efforts.
Officials state these actions placed U.S. national security and the safety of American personnel at risk.
Why the Reward Matters
On May 14, 2026, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced it is offering up to $200,000 for information that leads to Witt’s arrest. The FBI is repeating its message that it has not stopped looking for her, despite the case dating back many years.
Daniel Wierzbicki, who leads the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division in Washington, emphasized the importance of public help, suggesting that someone might hold key information about her location.
What the U.S. Government Says
Federal officials allege that Witt’s actions betrayed her oath to the Constitution by sharing sensitive national defense information with a foreign government. They also believe she still supports Iranian intelligence efforts, possibly aiding activities that are harmful to U.S. interests.
The FBI description of Witt notes that she speaks Farsi and is believed to be living in Iran. Investigators have listed possible aliases she might use, including names like Fatemah Zahra and Narges Witt, though these are not confirmed.
Conclusion
Witt remains a fugitive. Her case has drawn renewed attention in 2026 as U.S.–Iran tensions continue in various areas of global politics. By publicly offering a large reward, federal authorities aim to encourage people with useful information to step forward.
Anyone with knowledge that could help locate Witt can contact the FBI through their official tip lines or submit information online.
Monica Witt’s story highlights the long reach of national security investigations and the challenges in resolving alleged intelligence breaches that span years and cross borders.
