Event Details

This document is page 179 from a book proof (stamped House Oversight Committee, dated 9/29/16) titled 'The Keys to the Kingdom Are Missing,' likely authored by Edward Jay Epstein (indicated by filename 'Epst'). The text critically analyzes Edward Snowden's claim that he destroyed all NSA documents in Hong Kong before traveling to Russia. The author argues this narrative is self-serving and illogical, citing statements by Anatoly Kucherena and interviews Snowden gave to various journalists (Bamford, Rusbridger, vanden Heuvel, Williams). NOTE: The 'Epst' in the filename refers to author Edward Jay Epstein, not Jeffrey Epstein.

This document appears to be page 144 from the book 'How America Lost Its Secrets' by Edward Jay Epstein, included in a House Oversight Committee file. It details the logistics of Edward Snowden's defection from Hong Kong to Moscow, asserting that Vladimir Putin personally approved the flight and that Aeroflot waived standard passport protocols. The text also discusses the NSA's interception of Russian communications confirming foreknowledge of Snowden's arrival.

This document, labeled as a House Oversight record (page 131), details the geopolitical maneuvering surrounding Edward Snowden's flight from Hong Kong to Russia in 2013. It discusses the lack of an extradition treaty between Russia and the US, Vladimir Putin's approval of the exfiltration, and the 'Moscow Scenario' where the FSB took control of Snowden upon arrival. The text highlights that Snowden was prevented from traveling to other nations (Cuba, Venezuela, etc.) and was effectively detained in the airport transit zone/FSB safe houses, with Putin adviser Sergei Markov noting Snowden's value in compromising US intelligence officials.