FBI Marks Nine Years Since Disappearance of Retired Agent

Three headshots of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. “Bob” Levinson, who went missing on Kish Island in Iran on March 9, 2007.

Retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. “Bob” Levinson went missing on Kish Island in Iran on March 9, 2007.

It was nine years ago today that retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. “Bob”Levinson went missing on Kish Island in Iran. He is the longest held hostage in U.S. history.

Levinson was a special agent for 22 years before retiring in 1998. He turns 68 tomorrow, March 10.

In a statement released today, the FBI said it continues to work closely with the intelligence community and international partners to locate Levinson and bring him home.

“We are encouraged by recent cooperation between the Government of Iran and the United States, and believe that our ability to locate Bob and reunite him with his family requires a shared commitment by the Iranian government,” the statement said.

Last year, the FBI increased the reward to $5 million for information leading to Levinson’s return. A webpage, www.fbi.gov/levinson, includes photographs, video, and more detailed information about the case.

Director Comey today reiterated the FBI’s commitment to finding Levinson.

“Nine years is an incomprehensible amount of time for him to be missing without any word of his whereabouts,” said Comey. “The FBI family feels personally connected to ensuring Bob’s safe return and we are doing everything in our power to investigate all leads.”

Paul Abbate (right), assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office and Miami FBI Special Agent in Charge George Piro address a rally on behalf of Robert Levinson March 5, 2016, in Miami.

Paul Abbate (right), assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office and Miami FBI Special Agent in Charge George Piro address a rally on behalf of Robert Levinson on March 5, 2016, in Miami.