During the morning of this Friday, May 15, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBIfor its acronym in English) offered, through its official website, a reward of US$200 thousand (Q1 million 526 thousand) for information that could lead to the arrest of a former Air Force intelligence agent accused in the 2019 to spy for Iran.
Through a digital communication, the service security and intelligence interior of the United States reported that it continues to search for Monica Wittwho is believed to have defected to Iran in December 2013, more than a decade ago, so he “probably continues to support all Iranian activities.” illicit” of the Islamic Republic.
“The FBI has not forgotten her and believes that, at this critical moment in Iranian history, there may be someone who knows something about her whereabouts,” he said. Daniel Wierzbickispecial agent in charge of the agency’s Counterintelligence and Cybersecurity Division in Washington, referring to current tensions between the United States and Iran.
“The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants to talk to you to help us arrest Witt and bring her to in view of justice,” added Wierzbicki, who reported that Monica was an intelligence officer with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and that, in the 2008her work consisted of missions that took her to Middle East.
The defection of Monica Witt
According to the American television network CNN, in 2019, the then attorney general John Demers alleged that Iran had recruited to Witt and who, after his defection, revealed the existence of a “collection program highly classified” and the identity of a US intelligence officer, thereby putting into risk his life.
In the same indictment, the US attorney’s office stated that, since January 2012 until May 2015in Iran and other places outside North AmericaMonica Witt conspired with the Iranians to provide documents and information related to national defense, with the intention that they would be used in damage of the United States.
Therefore, according to John Demers’ indictment, upon Monica’s defection, Iranian government officials provided Witt with “goods and services, including housing and computer equipment”, to facilitate his work. However, for now it is unknown if he has a lawyer in the United States to represent it.
Under the circumstances, the then attorney general also charged four Iranians with charges of conspiracyattempted computer intrusion and aggravated identity theft. Therefore, since these are serious federal crimes, sentences can carry up to 5 years in prison. prisonalthough they could increase depending on each case.
Air Force intelligence specialist
According to what was stated by the American television network Fox NewsWitt was a United States Air Force intelligence specialist and a special agent with the Office of Special Investigations who served in the Army between 1997 and the 2008before working as contractor of the Government until 2010.
“His military service and work as a contractor allowed him to access data reserved and high secret related to foreign intelligence and counterespionage, including the real names of agents undercover of the American intelligence community,” concluded the press release published by the Federal Office.