Nearly 20 years after former FBI agent Robert Levinson vanished in Iran, the FBI has renewed its appeal for information regarding his disappearance. FBI Director Kash Patel marked the anniversary of Levinson’s disappearance on March 9, 2007, affirming the bureau’s ongoing commitment to uncovering his whereabouts.
Levinson’s Disappearance and Reward Offers
Levinson, who previously worked for the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration, disappeared while visiting Iran’s Kish Island. He was reportedly on an unauthorized CIA mission at the time. The FBI is offering up to $5 million for information leading to his location, recovery, or return, alongside a reward from the U.S. State Department. Levinson has been the longest-held American hostage, although U.S. officials stated in 2020 that they believe he likely died while in Iranian custody. His remains have never been recovered.
Case Details and FBI Perspectives
Levinson traveled to Kish Island in 2007 as a private investigator. Sources indicated he was pursuing a CIA mission to contact Dawud Salahuddin, an American fugitive wanted by the CIA since 1980. Iran has consistently denied involvement or knowledge of Levinson’s whereabouts despite U.S. claims of Iranian detention. In 2020, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned two Iranian intelligence officials linked to his disappearance.
Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker, who worked with Levinson, described him as a skilled investigator with a strong reputation for developing informants in criminal organizations. Swecker emphasized Levinson’s dedication to his work and family and noted that Levinson avoided management roles in favor of field investigations.
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