Former German Foreign Intelligence Chief Arrested on Suspicion of Espionage and Attempted Treason

German federal prosecutors announced Tuesday the arrest of August Hanning, 80, the former director of the country's foreign intelligence agency, the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND). He faces serious accusations including treasonous espionage and attempted treason. Also apprehended was Manfred D., identified as a former aide, who is suspected of involvement in aiding and abetting these alleged crimes.

Hanning led the BND, Germany's foreign intelligence service, from 1998 to 2005.

Allegations of Secret Information Sharing

According to federal prosecutors, Hanning is "strongly suspected of treasonous espionage, spying out state secrets, attempted treason, and espionage." Manfred D. served as Hanning’s chief of staff and later continued in the same role for several subsequent BND directors between March 2012 and March 2026, granting him access to sensitive information.

Prosecutors allege that the two men established an agreement around 2010. Under this arrangement, Manfred D. would regularly provide Hanning with intelligence in exchange for payments. This alleged collaboration persisted until June 2022. During this period, Manfred D. is believed to have supplied Hanning with approximately 2,000 documents, many of which were classified and strictly designated for internal agency use.

Hanning reportedly utilized this information in his private consulting activities. Furthermore, a spokesperson for the federal prosecutor’s office informed German broadcaster RTL that investigators suspect Hanning used classified material to prepare an analysis for an individual employed by a foreign intelligence service. Prosecutors also indicated that Hanning conveyed information following extensive discussions with a representative of another intelligence service.

German authorities have refrained from publicly disclosing the identities of the foreign intelligence services purportedly involved in the case.

Broader Investigation Context and Significance

The probe that led to Hanning's arrest reportedly originated from an apparently unrelated investigation concerning the 2024 abduction of Hamburg businesswoman Christina Block's children amidst a custody dispute. Prosecutors confirmed that the evidence leading to Hanning's detention was gathered during the course of that broader inquiry.

Hanning's arrest marks a significant event, being the first time a former head of Germany's foreign intelligence service has been detained, according to reports. Both Hanning and Manfred D. are scheduled to appear before a judge at Germany's Federal Court of Justice following their arrests.