The FBI on Tuesday released “seeking information” posters for two senior Iranian intelligence officers believed to be involved in the 2007 abduction and disappearance of retired FBI Special Agent Robert Levinson.
The move marks a renewed effort by U.S. authorities to hold Iranian officials accountable for Levinson’s disappearance, which remains one of the longest unresolved cases involving an American citizen overseas.
Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai, officials in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, allegedly took part in the abduction, detention, and probable death of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. “Bob” Levinson. If you have information, please email [email protected]. pic.twitter.com/LidB63ueKn
— FBI (@FBI) February 4, 2025
The two individuals identified are Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai, both high-ranking officers in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security. The FBI alleges that Baseri and Khazai were directly involved in Levinson’s abduction, detention, and probable death, although Levinson’s body has never been recovered.
The bureau reiterated its standing reward of up to $5 million for information leading to Levinson’s location, recovery, and return. The U.S. State Department is offering an additional $20 million reward for information that could help resolve the case.
“Our extensive investigation continues to develop new leads and intelligence, and we will pursue all options to hold every Iranian official involved in his abduction accountable,” said Sanjay Virmani, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division, in a statement.
Levinson, who was working as a private investigator at the time of his disappearance, traveled to Iran’s Kish Island in March 2007. Reports later revealed that he was on an unauthorized mission for the CIA.
For years, U.S. officials believed Levinson was alive, especially after his family received a series of anonymous emails in 2010 and 2011 containing photos and a video showing him in captivity. However, in 2020, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Levinson had likely died while in Iranian custody, although the exact circumstances and timing remain unclear.
“For nearly 18 years, the Iranian government has denied knowledge of Bob’s whereabouts despite senior intelligence officials authorizing his abduction and detention,” the FBI said in its statement, adding that Iran also launched a disinformation campaign to deflect responsibility.
Levinson’s family expressed gratitude for the FBI’s continued efforts. “Even after all of this time that’s passed, almost 18 years, we will never give up. We want answers. We demand answers,” the family said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Someone, somewhere, knows something and we demand that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
