U.S. Intelligence Agencies Tracked Snowden in Hong Kong via Legal Attachés and Diplomatic Cover

Summary

U.S. Intelligence Agencies Tracked Snowden in Hong Kong via Legal Attachés and Diplomatic Cover The passage provides specific details about FBI legal attachés, CIA/DIA “China watchers,” and cooperation with Hong Kong police that allegedly monitored Snowden’s movements for 13 days. It names agencies, dates, and locations, offering concrete leads for further investigation into inter‑agency coordination and possible diplomatic cover operations. While not wholly novel, the claim of a Russian consulate visit and Chinese intelligence awareness adds controversy and potential diplomatic implications. Key insights: FBI maintained legal attachés at the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong to pursue violations including video piracy.; CIA and DIA deployed “China watchers” under diplomatic cover, forming an “intelligence mission.”; The intelligence mission reportedly had informal ties with Hong Kong police, enabling tracking of Snowden’s cell‑phone communications.