> I've always thought that the real NSA ruthlessly prosecutes

The NSA might do many things, but it absolutely does not prosecute anyone (though it same-head military command might prosecute service members within its command.)

Well not necessarily fake. They're officials in the press office doing the "leaking".

I was going to comment similar as well. Anonymous leaks are typically "offical" sources releasing info as a trial balloon to test which way the political winds are blowing. This provides plausible deniablility if the winds blow in unfriendly directions.