The Psychology of an International Fugitive: Insights from Nick Leeson and Edward Snowden
The Intense Pressure of an International Fugitive Evading Arrest
Edward Snowden’s heart pounds, and his palms sweat as he navigates the tense reality of avoiding arrest. Nick Leeson, the man who brought down Barings Bank, knows this heightened state of anxiety all too well. Having once been the world’s most sought-after international fugitive, Leeson writes from deep understanding and empathy for Snowden’s current plight.
A Global Manhunt
Snowden, an International fugitive and former US National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, is the focus of a global manhunt. Journalists, diplomats, and his former employers are all trying to track him down as he remains in the “transit zone” of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. His situation mirrors Leeson’s experience of being hunted, a period Leeson vividly recalls.
Frantic Decisions and Limited Choices
Leeson shares his perspective: “Snowden is under immense pressure, frantically trying to figure out his options. The uncertainty is overwhelming; he doesn’t know what the next few hours will bring, let alone the next few days. His choices are minimal, and the strain has increased since before he fled. The control he once had is slipping away rapidly.”
Leeson’s Escape from Singapore
Building Pressure
In early 1995, Leeson faced increasing inquiries about his activities at Barings Bank. The pressure steadily built up, with more questions being asked about the discrepancies in the bank’s accounts.
Reckoning Day
On February 23, 1995, at 3 p.m., Leeson received a critical call asking him to explain a significant mismatch between the exchange’s holdings and those on the company’s books. This was when Leeson realized he had to flee immediately and become a fugitive.
Immediate Decision
Leeson rushed home to pack a suitcase within an hour of receiving the call. He then gave his wife a hurried and vague explanation for their sudden departure.
Flight from Changi Airport
By 4 p.m., Leeson and his wife were at Singapore’s Changi Airport, ready to board a flight. Their immediate destination was Kuala Lumpur, the first of six flights they would take in the next few days.
Series of Flights
Each flight added to Leeson’s strain and challenges. They were constantly on the move, never staying in one place for too long to avoid capture.
Sleepless Nights
The escape involved sporadic sleep, driven more by sheer exhaustion than any sense of normalcy. Leeson’s mind was perpetually on high alert, focusing on evading capture.
Story Breaks in Kuala Lumpur
While in Kuala Lumpur, news of Barings Bank‘s collapse broke. The global media quickly picked up the story, making Leeson the most wanted fugitive.
Leeson on the Move
Switching Hotels
Leeson and his wife switched hotels within 24 hours to maintain a low profile. They moved from the luxurious Shangri-La to a less conspicuous establishment, trying to stay under the radar.
Intense Anxiety at Border Control
Crossing the border was fraught with anxiety. Leeson described his experience at Kota Kinabalu airport, where he felt intense physical symptoms of stress, including knots in his stomach, a throbbing head, and clammy hands.
Constant Paranoia
The fear of being recognized and captured was constant. During an eight-hour layover in Brunei, Leeson saw his face on every television screen, making him increasingly exposed and hunted.
Trust and Secrecy
Leeson had to be cautious about whom he trusted. He made a few phone calls to friends in Singapore whom he believed he could rely on, but he knew the importance of keeping his whereabouts a secret.
Adapting Plans
Plans constantly changed based on the immediate circumstances. Leeson aimed to meet a fellow trader in Phuket to regroup, but the lack of flights forced him to adapt and hide in Kuala Lumpur instead.
Emotional Strain
The entire escape was emotionally draining, with Leeson feeling the weight of his decisions and the constant threat of capture bearing down on him.
Snowden’s Improvised Escape
Initial Plan
Snowden’s initial escape plan likely included seeking refuge in a country with a favourable stance on whistleblowers. However, the urgency to flee may have overshadowed any meticulous planning.
Arrival in Moscow
Snowden arrived at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, where he found himself in the “transit zone,” unable to leave without facing potential capture.
Seeking Asylum
Snowden initially sought asylum in a country that could offer it. He applied for asylum in over twenty countries, including Ecuador, Venezuela, and Iceland.
Limited Options
Due to international pressure and the revocation of his U.S. passport, his options were limited, and he was stranded in Moscow.
Transit Zone Limbo
The transit zone of Sheremetyevo Airport became his temporary refuge. Unlike regular passengers, Snowden couldn’t pass through customs and formally enter Russia without risking arrest.
International Support
Snowden received support from various international human rights organizations and activists who advocated for his asylum requests.
Russian Government’s Role
The Russian government’s involvement in Snowden’s case added another layer of complexity. Russia granted him temporary asylum, allowing him to stay in the country legally for a limited period.
Media Coverage
His presence in Moscow attracted global media attention, with journalists camped in the airport hoping for a glimpse or statement from him.
Public Statements
Snowden occasionally communicated through public statements, emphasizing his motives and appealing for asylum on humanitarian grounds.
Legal and Diplomatic Maneuvering
Snowden’s legal team worked tirelessly to navigate the complex web of international law and diplomacy to find a permanent solution.
Emotional and Psychological Toll
The uncertainty and constant media scrutiny took a significant emotional and psychological toll on Snowden, much like Leeson’s experience.
Adaptation and Resilience
Despite the chaos, Snowden adapted to his new reality, life as an International fugitive, demonstrating resilience in the face of overwhelming odds and uncertainty about his future.
The Anxiety of Evading Capture
Leeson’s experience at Kota Kinabalu airport highlights the intense anxiety of evading capture. “As I approached the gate, my stomach was in knots, my head throbbing, and my hands clammy. Every step felt like an eternity. Passing through border control was nerve-wracking, knowing they might be looking for me.”
Close Calls and Constant Paranoia
Leeson’s journey involved numerous close calls, constant media coverage, and a heightened sense of paranoia. “In Brunei, every television screen showed my face during an eight-hour layover. It was surreal and unnerving, making me feel more exposed and hunted.”
Snowden’s Ongoing Struggle
For Snowden, the situation is equally intense. His face is on every news outlet, and he must exert immense energy to stay one step ahead. “Snowden is sitting in Moscow, an International fugitive pushing himself to the limit every minute of every day. Eventually, he’ll seek clarity and assurance about his future. I hope he has a better plan than I did, but this experience will be a crucial starting point for him.”
Seeking a New Identity with Amicus International Consulting
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