DHAKA: US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has alleged the National Security Agency engaged in industrial espionage.

In an interview with Germany’s ARD TV channel, the former NSA contractor said the agency would spy on big German companies that competed with US firms, reports the BBC.

Snowden, who was granted temporary asylum by Russia, also said he believed that US officials wanted to kill him.

His leaks caused outrage in Germany when it came to light Chancellor Angela Merkel’s phone had been bugged.

After the row broke out last year, Merkel accused the US of an unacceptable breach of trust.

Last week President Barack Obama indicated to Germany’s ZDF TV that US bugging of Merkel’s mobile phone had been a mistake and would not happen again.

Snowden’s new allegation about industrial spying may make it harder to rebuild trans-Atlantic trust.

BDST: 1411 HRS, JAN 27, 2014