Former German Spy Chief Arrested for Espionage and Treason

A former leader of Germany’s foreign intelligence, August Hanning, was arrested on Tuesday. He faces allegations of espionage and attempted treason. Prosecutors claim he obtained classified documents and used them for analysis for a foreign intelligence employee.

Hanning, aged 80, led Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005. Federal prosecutors have highlighted serious suspicions of his involvement in treasonous activities, including spying on state secrets.

An aide named Manfred D. was also detained in western Germany. He faces accusations of aiding treasonous espionage in this case. It was revealed that Manfred D. served as Hanning’s chief of staff, later continuing in that role for Hanning’s successors from March 2012 to March 2026. His position granted him access to sensitive information.

Starting in 2010, the men allegedly set up an agreement. Manfred D. was said to regularly provide intelligence to Hanning for money. This setup lasted until June 2022. Manfred D. reportedly gave Hanning around 2,000 documents, many carrying classified information meant for internal use. Hanning is suspected of using this data in his private consulting business.

A spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office mentioned to RTL, a German broadcaster, that they suspect Hanning of using classified data to prepare analyses for a foreign intelligence employee. They also alleged he shared information after extensive interactions with another intelligence service employee.

The foreign intelligence services involved have not been publicly named by German authorities. The investigation into Hanning’s activities came from a separate case concerning the 2024 abduction of a Hamburg businesswoman’s children during a custody dispute. Evidence from that investigation led to Hanning’s arrest.

Hanning’s arrest marks a first for a former head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service, as noted by Reuters. Both he and Manfred D. were to face a judge at Germany’s Federal Court of Justice after their arrests. Attempts were made to contact GLOBSEC, where Hanning was previously affiliated, for remarks on his arrest. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.