US DEFENCE CONTRACTOR Booz Allen Hamilton has said it has fired Edward Snowden, the 29-year-old employee who leaked secret US Internet and phone data surveillance programs to the press.
“Snowden, who had a salary at the rate of $122,000, was terminated June 10, 2013 for violations of the firm’s code of ethics and firm policy,” the company said in a statement.
“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,” it said.
Previous reports have said Snowden earned $200,000 per year, and it was not clear from Booz Allen’s statement whether this was false or whether Snowden received any bonuses or allowances in addition to his salary of $122,000.
The company said it would work closely with authorities investigating the security breach at the National Security Agency, where Snowden had worked as a contractor – for the last three months as a Booz Allen employee.
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