WASHINGTON, March 6 (UPI) -- The FBI Tuesday announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the safe return of retired special agent Bob Levinson, who disappeared in Iran in 2007.
Levinson, who retired in 1998 after 22 years with the FBI, disappeared a day after he traveled to Kish Island, Iran, March 8, 2007, as a private investigator, the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI said in a release announcing the award.
In 2010 Levinson's captors sent his family a video showing him, but he hasn't been seen publicly since his disappearance.
The society also announced it was providing $5,000 to each of Levinson's two youngest children to help with college expenses.
"Though he is retired from the FBI, Bob remains a member of the FBI family to this day, and his family is our family," FBI Director Robert Mueller said. "Like all families, we stand together in good times and in times of adversity. Today, we stand together to reaffirm our commitment to Bob Levinson."
"On the fifth anniversary of Bob's disappearance, the FBI continues to follow every lead into his abduction and captivity," said James W. McJunkin, assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office. "We are committed to bringing Bob home safely to his family. We hope this reward will encourage anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they may think it is, to come forward. It may be the clue that we need to locate Bob."
Levinson's 64th birthday is March 10. He has seven children and two grandchildren.
