Former German spy chief August Hanning has been arrested today on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified material for a foreign power, according to Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office.
Hanning, who led the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) between 1998 and 2005, later moved into private consultancy work.
Prosecutors allege, during his time outside government, he used sensitive intelligence in preparing an analysis for a foreign intelligence service and maintained a relationship with another foreign spy service – although neither country has been identified.
A second man, former BND employee Manfred D, has also been arrested, accused of supplying Hanning with around 2,000 classified documents in return for payment.
Manfred D, who served as Hanning’s bureau chief and continued working for the BND until this year, faces allegations of aiding and abetting attempted treason, as well as treasonous espionage.
Prosecutors say he later served as chief of staff to Hanning’s successors from 2012 until 2026.
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