Mohammad Baseri Sought for Questioning in Robert Levinson Abduction and Disappearance
Senior Iranian Intelligence Officer
Mohammad Baseri, 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. Baseri has been identified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a senior officer of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) with responsibilities involving counterespionage and sensitive national-security investigations. The FBI continues investigating Baseri’s alleged role while seeking 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, resulting in a long-running international investigation into what happened to him. U.S. authorities have continued examining the Iranian intelligence officials believed to have been involved in his abduction and subsequent detention.
The investigation has continued for nearly two decades as authorities work to establish a complete account of Levinson’s disappearance. Baseri is among several Iranian officials identified in connection with the case and is wanted for questioning about his alleged involvement. Investigators continue seeking information concerning the individuals who participated in or possessed knowledge of the operation.
Evidence of Captivity
Evidence obtained years after Levinson disappeared showed 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 became significant evidence in the investigation and demonstrated that he had been detained after disappearing from Kish Island.
The video and photographs intensified efforts to determine where Levinson had been held and who was responsible for his captivity. Investigators continued examining Iranian intelligence personnel and others who may have participated in the operation. Baseri’s senior position within MOIS has made his alleged involvement particularly significant to U.S. authorities.
Baseri's Alleged Involvement
Baseri is wanted for questioning based on his alleged involvement in Levinson’s abduction, detention, and probable death. His position within Iran’s intelligence establishment places him among the senior officials authorities are examining in connection with the case. Investigators are seeking information concerning his role, associates, activities, and knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Levinson’s disappearance.
The FBI investigation extends beyond Baseri and the other officials already publicly identified. Authorities continue working to identify additional Iranian officials believed to have participated in Levinson’s abduction or possessed information about his detention. Information concerning Baseri’s professional relationships and intelligence activities may therefore contribute to the broader investigation.
Counterespionage Activities
According to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, Baseri is a high-ranking MOIS officer involved in counterespionage activities both inside and outside Iran. His responsibilities have reportedly included work involving sensitive investigations connected with Iranian national-security issues. These activities demonstrate the senior level at which Baseri operated within Iran’s intelligence structure.
Baseri’s counterespionage responsibilities also extended internationally, making his foreign intelligence relationships significant to authorities. His position reportedly involved access to sensitive national-security matters and interactions with intelligence personnel beyond Iran. These responsibilities provide additional context for the FBI’s interest in questioning him.
Foreign Intelligence Connections
Baseri has allegedly worked directly with intelligence officials from other countries in activities intended to harm United States interests. This alleged cooperation expands the significance of his activities beyond Iran and places his international intelligence relationships under scrutiny. Authorities are interested in information concerning the officials, governments, and intelligence networks with which he may have interacted.
His alleged foreign intelligence connections form part of a broader picture of a senior MOIS officer operating internationally. Baseri’s work outside Iran and involvement in sensitive investigations could provide important information about Iranian intelligence operations and relationships with foreign services. These activities remain relevant to authorities examining his background and alleged involvement in the Levinson case.
U.S. Treasury Sanctions
In December 2020, the United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned Baseri and fellow Iranian intelligence officer Ahmad Khazai for their involvement in Levinson’s abduction. The sanctions publicly identified both men as individuals U.S. authorities connected with the disappearance and detention of the retired FBI agent. The action represented a major development approximately 13 years after Levinson disappeared.
The Treasury designation also provided additional details concerning Baseri’s senior intelligence responsibilities. His counterespionage work, involvement in sensitive national-security investigations, and international intelligence relationships were specifically highlighted. Baseri remains wanted for questioning as the FBI continues pursuing information concerning the case.
Ahmad Khazai
Ahmad Khazai was sanctioned alongside Baseri in December 2020 for his involvement in Levinson’s abduction. The identification of both senior Iranian intelligence officers demonstrates that investigators are examining a broader network of individuals rather than treating the disappearance as the actions of a single person. Authorities continue seeking information about the relationships between these officials and others involved in the operation.
The FBI has continued identifying Iranian officials believed to have played roles in Levinson’s abduction and detention. Information concerning communications, professional relationships, and intelligence activities involving Baseri, Khazai, and other MOIS personnel may assist investigators. Establishing the complete network involved remains an important objective of the investigation.
Continuing FBI Investigation
The FBI continues investigating Levinson’s disappearance and working to identify additional Iranian officials involved in his abduction. Baseri remains wanted for questioning concerning his alleged role in Levinson’s abduction, detention, and probable death, while authorities continue examining other individuals connected with the operation. Information concerning MOIS personnel or foreign intelligence officials with knowledge of the case may also be relevant.
The investigation remains international in scope despite the many years that have passed since Levinson disappeared. Authorities continue seeking information capable of establishing what happened after he was taken and identifying everyone responsible. Baseri’s senior intelligence position and international connections make information concerning his activities particularly significant to investigators.
Information Sought Worldwide
Anyone with information concerning Mohammad Baseri, his whereabouts, associates, intelligence activities, or alleged involvement in the disappearance of Robert Levinson is encouraged to contact law enforcement. Information concerning Ahmad Khazai 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 relevant information directly to appropriate authorities.
