By Steve Neavling
Sunday marked 18 years since retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson disappeared on Kish Island, Iran — an anniversary that coincides with National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, a time to remember Americans unjustly held abroad.
Levinson, who would have turned 77 next week, was abducted in 2007 while working as a CIA-paid source. U.S. officials believe he died in Iranian custody, though Iran has never provided clear answers.
“It’s been 18 years since Bob’s abduction, and Iran has continued to target U.S. citizens, including the president, other government officials, and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “Our nation will not tolerate threats to any Americans, at home or abroad, and we demand that Iran make good on its past promises to provide answers about what happened to Bob.”
The FBI has renewed its commitment to holding Iran accountable, releasing new posters featuring two senior Iranian intelligence officials allegedly involved in Levinson’s disappearance: Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai. Both were working for Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security at the time of his abduction.
The FBI continues to offer a $5 million reward for information leading to Levinson’s recovery and return. The U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $20 million for information leading to Levinson’s location or the arrest of those responsible for his abduction.
Despite nearly two decades without answers, the FBI maintains that its investigation is still generating new leads.
“Our job is to protect the American people and to hold accountable those who harm our citizens, so this case hits especially close to home for all of us at the FBI, where Bob served for so long,” Patel said.
Levinson’s family announced in 2020 that they had accepted he was no longer alive. But U.S. officials say they will not stop seeking justice.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact levinsonfbireward@fbi.gov, submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov, or reach out to the nearest FBI office or U.S. Embassy.
