US Spying Scandal & National Security

Edward Snowden, a 29-year-old system administrator and former undercover CIA employee, has revealed himself as the source behind the biggest intelligence leaks in the National Security Agency (NSA)'s history. Snowden admitted his role in the leaks in a 12-minute video interview recorded in Hong Kong where he is currently staying, The Guardian reported on Sunday.

The British newspaper said Snowden flew to Hong Kong on May 20 after copying the last set of documents he intended to disclose at the NSA's office in Hawaii. The paper pointed out that it was revealing Snowden's identity at his own request. In the interview, he denounced what he described as systematic surveillance of innocent US citizens, saying his " sole motive is to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them."