Germany’s former foreign intelligence chief, August Hanning, has been arrested on suspicion of treason and espionage, German federal prosecutors have confirmed.
Hanning, 80, who headed Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005, was arrested in Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen in southern Germany.
His former chief of staff, identified as Manfred D., was also arrested in Steinfurt, western Germany, on suspicion of aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage.
According to prosecutors, Hanning allegedly used classified intelligence supplied by Manfred D. to prepare an analysis for an officer working for a foreign intelligence service.
Investigators said Manfred D. served as chief of staff to Hanning’s successors between 2012 and 2026. He allegedly used his position to gain access to confidential information and passed it to Hanning in exchange for money.
Prosecutors said approximately 2,000 documents were allegedly provided to Hanning over several years, many of which contained classified information intended solely for internal use by Germany’s intelligence service.
Hanning is accused of using some of the information in his private consulting activities.
Authorities have not disclosed which country or foreign intelligence service the men are suspected of working for. Prosecutors also said it remains unclear whether the classified material actually reached its intended foreign recipient.
German lawmaker Marc Henrichmann, chairman of the parliamentary intelligence oversight committee, said Germany would not tolerate the betrayal of state secrets.
Searches were also being conducted at properties linked to both suspects in several locations, including Berlin, as investigations continue.
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