Former German Intelligence Chief Arrested on Espionage, Treason Charges
Hanning headed Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005 and later worked as a private consultant.
Germany’s former intelligence chief August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, according to German federal prosecutors.
Hanning headed Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005 and later worked as a private consultant.
According to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, Hanning is suspected of using classified information to conduct “information analysis” for a foreign intelligence service while also maintaining contacts with another foreign intelligence service.
Investigators have not disclosed which foreign powers or intelligence agencies were allegedly involved.
German authorities have also arrested a former BND employee, identified as Manfred D., who is accused of providing Hanning with around 2,000 classified documents in exchange for money.
Manfred D. also faces allegations of attempted treason and assisting espionage.
According to local media reports, Hanning was arrested at his residence in Nordwalde, near Münster, while Manfred D. was taken into custody in Bavaria.
Manfred D. is expected to appear before a court on Tuesday, while Hanning is due to be presented before a judge on Wednesday.
The arrests mark another serious controversy involving Germany’s intelligence establishment.
In 2023, a senior German intelligence official also faced treason proceedings over allegations that state secrets had been passed to Russia.
