Iranian Intelligence Officer Ahmad Khazai Sought for Questioning in Robert Levinson Case
Senior Iranian Intelligence Officer
Ahmad Khazai, a high-ranking Iranian intelligence officer, is wanted for questioning based on his alleged involvement in the abduction, detention, and probable death of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson. Khazai has been identified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a senior member of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). The FBI continues investigating his alleged role while working to identify additional Iranian officials connected with Levinson’s disappearance.
Disappearance on Kish Island
Robert Levinson traveled to Kish Island, Iran, on March 8, 2007, and disappeared the following day. He has not been publicly seen or heard from since March 9, 2007, beginning a case that has remained under investigation for nearly two decades. U.S. authorities have continued pursuing information about what happened to Levinson and the Iranian officials believed to have participated in his abduction and detention.
The circumstances surrounding Levinson’s disappearance have remained the subject of an extensive international investigation. Authorities have gradually identified Iranian intelligence officials believed to have knowledge of or involvement in the operation. Khazai is among those the FBI is seeking to question about the case.
Evidence Showing Levinson in Captivity
Several years after Levinson disappeared, evidence emerged showing that he had remained alive in captivity for at least some period following his disappearance. In 2010 and 2011, a video and photographs were obtained showing Levinson being held captive. The material provided significant evidence concerning his condition after disappearing from Kish Island.
The video and photographs became important elements of the investigation as authorities worked to identify who was responsible for holding Levinson. Investigators continued examining individuals within Iran’s intelligence services and others who may have possessed information concerning his detention. Khazai’s position within MOIS has made his alleged connection with the case particularly significant.
Khazai's Alleged Involvement
Khazai is wanted for questioning based on his alleged involvement in Levinson’s abduction, detention, and probable death. His status as a senior MOIS officer places him within an Iranian intelligence organization that U.S. authorities have connected with Levinson’s disappearance. Investigators are seeking information concerning his role, associates, and knowledge of what happened following Levinson’s arrival on Kish Island.
The FBI investigation extends beyond Khazai and continues to focus on identifying additional Iranian officials involved in the operation. Authorities are examining relationships among intelligence personnel and other individuals who may have participated in or possessed information about Levinson’s detention. Information concerning Khazai’s activities and contacts may therefore be relevant to the wider investigation.
High-Ranking MOIS Position
According to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Khazai is a high-ranking member of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security. His position reportedly included responsibilities extending beyond Iran and involving official intelligence-related travel to other countries. This senior status has made his activities of particular interest to U.S. investigators.
Khazai’s position within MOIS distinguishes him as more than a lower-level intelligence operative. U.S. authorities have identified him as a senior officer with international responsibilities and access within Iran’s intelligence establishment. His position could make information concerning his professional relationships and activities relevant to investigators examining the Levinson case.
International Intelligence Missions
In his role as a senior MOIS officer, Khazai has led MOIS delegations to other countries to assess security conditions, according to the Treasury Department’s designation. These international assignments demonstrate the level of responsibility attributed to him within Iran’s intelligence structure. They also establish that his official activities extended beyond Iran’s borders.
Khazai’s international responsibilities are significant in the context of the broader investigation into Iranian intelligence operations. Authorities continue examining the roles of senior officials who may possess information concerning Levinson’s disappearance and subsequent detention. His international contacts and relationships may therefore be relevant to investigators seeking a more complete understanding of the case.
U.S. Treasury Sanctions
In December 2020, the United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned Khazai and fellow Iranian intelligence official Mohammad Baseri for their involvement in Levinson’s abduction. The sanctions publicly identified both men as individuals whom U.S. authorities connected with the disappearance of the retired FBI agent. The action represented a significant development approximately 13 years after Levinson disappeared.
The Treasury designation also provided additional information concerning Khazai’s senior position within MOIS. By identifying his intelligence responsibilities and international activities, U.S. authorities provided further context concerning why investigators are interested in his role. Khazai remains wanted for questioning as the FBI continues investigating the case.
Mohammad Baseri
Mohammad Baseri was sanctioned alongside Khazai in December 2020 for his involvement in Levinson’s abduction. The identification of multiple Iranian intelligence officials demonstrates that investigators are examining a wider network rather than focusing on a single individual. Authorities continue working to determine the roles played by each person connected with the operation.
The FBI’s investigation has subsequently sought to identify additional Iranian officials believed to have been involved. Information concerning relationships between Khazai, Baseri, and other Iranian intelligence personnel may assist investigators in reconstructing the events surrounding Levinson’s disappearance. The investigation remains active as authorities pursue information about everyone involved.
Continuing FBI Investigation
The FBI continues investigating Levinson’s abduction and working to identify additional Iranian officials connected with his disappearance. Khazai remains wanted for questioning concerning his alleged involvement in the abduction, detention, and probable death of Levinson. Authorities continue seeking information about other MOIS officials and individuals who may have knowledge of the operation.
Despite the passage of many years, the investigation remains active and international in scope. Information concerning Iranian intelligence personnel, their associates, or individuals with knowledge of Levinson’s captivity may still be relevant to investigators. The FBI continues working to establish a complete account of what happened after Levinson disappeared.
Information Sought Worldwide
Anyone with information concerning Ahmad Khazai, his whereabouts, associates, intelligence activities, or alleged involvement in the disappearance of Robert Levinson is encouraged to contact law enforcement. Information concerning Mohammad Baseri or other Iranian officials connected with Levinson’s abduction, detention, and probable death may also assist the continuing FBI investigation. Individuals should not attempt to approach or confront anyone associated with the case and should instead provide information directly to the appropriate authorities.
