Justice Department says former US Air Force turned on her own, revealed US spies to Iran

• The US indicted a former US Air Force officer Monica Witt, alledging she "assisted Iranian intelligence services in targeting her former fellow agents in the U.S. Intelligence Community."
• As part of its action, the US sanctioned two Iran-based firms - New Horizon Organization and Net Peygard Samavat Company - and several individuals associated with the two groups.
• "When our intelligence professionals are targeted or betrayed, the National Security Division will relentlessly pursue justice against the wrong-doers," a Justice Department official said in a statement.

The US Justice Department on Wednesday indicted a former US Air Force officer, Monica Witt, for aiding Iran in what it called a cyber-spying operation targeting US intelligence officers.

The Justice Department said Witt, 39, defected to Iran in 2013 and may "have assisted Iranian intelligence services in targeting her former fellow agents in the U.S. Intelligence Community."

"Witt is also alleged to have disclosed the code name and classified mission of a U.S. Department of Defense Special Access Program. An arrest warrant has been issued for Witt, who remains at large, the Justice Department said in a statement.

As part of its action, the US sanctioned two Iran-based firms, New Horizon Organization and Net Peygard Samavat Company, and several individuals associated with the two groups.

"Monica Witt is charged with revealing to the Iranian regime a highly classified intelligence program and the identity of a U.S. Intelligence Officer, all in violation of the law, her solemn oath to protect and defend our country, and the bounds of human decency," Assistant Attorney General Demers said of the indictment.

"Four Iranian cyber hackers are also charged with various computer crimes targeting members of the U.S. intelligence community who were Ms. Witt's former colleagues. This case underscores the dangers to our intelligence professionals and the lengths our adversaries will go to identify them, expose them, target them, and, in a few rare cases, ultimately turn them against the nation they swore to protect. When our intelligence professionals are targeted or betrayed, the National Security Division will relentlessly pursue justice against the wrong-doers," Demers said.

The US Treasury said Net Peygard launched a malicious cyber capaign against current and former US government and military personnel, and that New Horizon organized international conferences to help Iran's Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force to recruit and collect intelligence from foreign attendees.

Reuters contributed to this report.