By Allan Lengel
The FBI this week released photos of two senior Iranian intelligence officers suspected of being involved in the 2007 abduction of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. “Bob” Levinson from Kish Island, Iran.
“The release of the (photos) is part of the FBI’s ongoing investigation into Bob’s abduction and our commitment to resolving the case for his long-suffering family,” the FBI said in a press release.
The two intelligence officers—Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai—allegedly acted in their capacity as officials of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) during Bob’s abduction, detention, and probable death, the FBI said.
“The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to return Bob to his family,” said Sanjay Virmani, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division. “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.”
The Iranian government has denied knowledge of Levinson’s whereabouts despite senior intelligence officials authorizing his abduction and detention, the FBI said, adding that the country has carried out a disinformation campaign to deflect blame from the regime.
