It is both fortunate and unfortunate that the empire has a high degree of political control over its citizens. Fortunate, in that intelligence services have identified a computer contractor as a likely whistleblower of highly-classified government surveillance programs. Unfortunate, in that the leaking of such programs will prove highly embarassing. Currently overseas, sources suggest he will meet sympathetic journalists within the next twenty-four hours. What should you do?
Though still damaging, through bribes and dirty tricks, we can cause uncertainty as to the leak's veracity.
The surveillance program was an error which we must admit to. Conspiracy theories will be rife.
It is not without risks, but using the secret police to detain the whistleblower might ensure their silence.