NSA Whistleblower's Employer: Leak Reports 'Shocking

Security contractors Booz Allen confirm that NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has been an employee of the firm, Business Insider reports.

(Credit: The Guardian via YouTube) 

Here's the firm's full statement:

Booz Allen can confirm that Edward Snowden, 29, has been an employee of our firm for less than 3 months, assigned to a team in Hawaii. News reports that this individual has claimed to have leaked classified information are shocking, and if accurate, this action represents a grave violation of the code of conduct and core values of our firm. We will work closely with our clients and authorities in their investigation of this matter.

More from Business Insider:

Booz Allen has deep links to the U.S. intelligence community, and Snowden is likely to be a serious source of embarrassment for the company. The current director of national intelligence (DNI), James Clapper, is a former Booz Allen executive, the Guardian notes.

Aside from the leaks themselves, the power Snowden claims to have had is likely to raise questions about the role of third party contractors in the U.S. defense sector. Some 1,931 private companies are working on intelligence, counterterrorism, or homeland security in the country.

Booz Allen is believed to make 98% of its revenue from government contracts.

Here's the related video TheBlaze published earlier today from the Guardian:

(H/T: Business Insider)