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The FBI announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Monica Witt, a former Air Force intelligence officer who defected to Iran in 2013 and is wanted on espionage charges.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Back in 2013, Witt defected to Iran and allegedly provided the Iranian government with classified national defense information. Prosecutors say she disclosed details of a highly classified intelligence collection program and the true identity of a US intelligence officer, placing his life at risk. She allegedly created “target packages” that allowed the Iranian regime to identify and target her former colleagues in the US intelligence community. Working with four Iranian cyber operatives affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, she provided information used to launch spear-phishing and malware attacks against at least eight current and former US intelligence officers. The attacks involved fake Facebook accounts and phishing emails designed to steal login credentials and install malware on their computers. Witt is believed to be in Iran. Four Iranian nationals were also charged in 2019 for the related cyber campaign, and all five remain at large.

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What’s going on now: The FBI Washington Field Office formally announced the $200,000 reward on Thursday and used the moment to pressure anyone with knowledge of Witt’s whereabouts to come forward, framing the timing as deliberate given the ongoing US war with Iran.

In a statement, Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence Division, said, “The FBI has not forgotten and believes that during this critical moment in Iran’s history, there is someone who knows something about her whereabouts. The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and bring her to justice.”

According to the FBI, Witt speaks Farsi, is believed to still reside in Iran, and may be using one of several aliases including “Fatemah Zahra” or “Narges Witt.” The bureau also stated that her defection has “benefitted” the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (which was designated by the US as a foreign terrorist organization in 2019).

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