Former German spy chief arrested for espionage and treason

What the report says

German prosecutors have arrested former Federal Intelligence Service chief August Hanning on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified material for a foreign power, according to the reports cited by Nile Post and the BBC. Hanning, who led Germany’s BND from 1998 to 2005 and later worked as a private consultant, was detained at his home in Nordwalde near Münster on Tuesday, with a court appearance expected on Wednesday.

Prosecutors allege that Hanning used classified intelligence to prepare an analysis for one foreign intelligence officer and kept contact with another foreign spy service, but they have not identified the countries involved. They also say a former BND employee, identified only as Manfred D, passed Hanning about 2,000 classified documents over several years in exchange for payment. Manfred D is separately accused of aiding attempted treason and treasonous espionage.

The case adds to scrutiny of Germany’s intelligence services, which have faced other espionage scandals in recent years. Local media reports mentioned by the publisher say the investigation involving Hanning surfaced during a separate case tied to a custody dispute involving businesswoman Christina Block, though that matter is distinct from the new arrest. Officials have not said whether the allegedly shared material reached its intended recipient.