FBI Washington Field Office Statement on 12th Anniversary of the Disappearance of Paul Edwin Overby Jr.
May 15, 2026 - This month marks the 12th anniversary of the disappearance of Paul Edwin Overby Jr. In May 2014, Overby, a freelance writer, disappeared in Khost Province, Afghanistan, where he was conducting research for a book. Prior to his disappearance, Overby suggested that he planned to visit Pakistan to further his research.
“For over a decade, FBI agents and analysts have worked tirelessly to find Paul and bring him home,” Assistant Director in Charge Darren Cox said. “We will continue to coordinate with partner agencies and pursue all credible leads until we can provide Paul’s family with the answers they’ve waited 12 years to hear.”
In May 2018, the FBI Washington Field Office announced a reward of up to $1 million for information that leads to Overby’s location, recovery, and return. The U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is also offering a reward of up to $5 million. Both rewards remain unclaimed.
If you have information to share, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip via tips.fbi.gov. You can also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Tips can remain anonymous.
FBI Washington Field Office
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 278-3519
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
