Former German Intelligence Chief Arrested on Espionage Charges

German federal prosecutors have arrested former intelligence chief August Hanning on suspicion of espionage, obtaining state secrets, attempted treason and acting as an agent for a foreign intelligence service.

The 80-year-old Hanning was detained at his home in Nordwalde near Münster early Tuesday. His former bureau chief, identified as Manfred D., was also arrested in Bavaria. Both men are expected to appear before an investigating judge this week.

Hanning served as head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005 and later served as a state secretary at the Interior Ministry until 2009.

Prosecutors allege that from around 2010, Hanning arranged for Manfred D., who remained employed by the BND until earlier this year, to provide him with about 2,000 internal documents. Many of the documents were classified and intended for high-level briefings. The alleged exchange continued until at least 2022 in return for payment.

According to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, Hanning used some of the documents to prepare an analysis for an officer of a foreign intelligence service. Investigators also allege that he maintained contact over several years with a representative of another foreign intelligence service and passed political information to that person.

The authorities have not identified the foreign countries involved. German media reports have said the investigation is not connected to Russia.

The case reportedly emerged from earlier searches conducted in connection with a separate investigation involving businesswoman Christina Block. Authorities also searched properties linked to the suspects in Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin.

Hanning has worked as a private consultant since leaving government service. Both men are considered strong suspects, but neither has been formally charged.