NSA leaker Edward Snowden lands in Moscow after fleeing Hong Kong: report

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has left Hong Kong, according to reports.

MOSCOW — A former National Security Agency contractor wanted by the United States for revealing highly classified surveillance programs has been allowed to leave for a "third country" because a U.S. extradition request did not fully comply with Hong Kong law, the territory's government said Sunday.

An Aeroflot flight from Hong Kong believed to be carrying Edward Snowden landed in Moscow. Russia's state ITAR-Tass news agency cited an unnamed Aeroflot airline official as saying Snowden was on Flight SU213, which landed on Sunday afternoon in Moscow. The report said he intended to fly to Cuba on Monday and then on to Caracas, Venezuela.

Snowden had been in hiding in Hong Kong for several weeks since he revealed information on the highly classified spy programs. The WikiLeaks anti-secrecy group tweeted that Snowden was "over Russian air space" and later said in a statement he was bound for an unnamed "democratic nation via a safe route for the purpose of asylum."

Sen. Chuck Schumer slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin for providing refuge in his country to Snowden.

"What's infuriating here is [President] Putin of Russia aiding and abetting Snowden's escape," fumed Schumer (D-NY) on CNN's "State of the Union."

"Putin always seems almost eager to put a finger in the eye of the United States," he declared.

The White House had no immediate comment about the departure, which came a day after the United States made a formal request for his extradition and gave a pointed warning to Hong Kong against delaying the process of returning him to face trial in the U.S.

The Department of Justice said only that it would "continue to discuss this matter with Hong Kong and pursue relevant law enforcement cooperation with other countries where Mr. Snowden may be attempting to travel."

"Putin … almost certain he knew and it is likely he approved it," said Schumer. "That is not how allies should treat one another and I think it will have serious consequences for the United States-Russia relationship."

He also said he was "very disappointed" that Hong Kong let Snowden get way and speculated that China played a role in the decision.

"I have a feeling the hand of Beijing was involved here," Schumer said.

The Hong Kong government said in a statement that Snowden left "on his own accord for a third country through a lawful and normal channel."

It acknowledged the U.S. extradition request, but said U.S. documentation did not "fully comply with the legal requirements under Hong Kong law." It said additional information was requested from Washington, but since the Hong Kong government "has yet to have sufficient information to process the request for provisional warrant of arrest, there is no legal basis to restrict Mr. Snowden from leaving Hong Kong."

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