German ex-spy chief arrested for treason: What we know

What the report says

August Hanning, who led Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage and attempted treason, according to Germany’s federal prosecutor’s office, as reported by Al Jazeera on 7 October 2026. Prosecutors say the 80-year-old is accused of treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets and attempted treason through contacts with foreign intelligence services.

Al Jazeera reported that prosecutors have not identified the foreign government or governments involved. However, German media outlet Der Spiegel, citing unnamed sources, said Hanning may have been in contact with an Azerbaijani intelligence representative. The article also noted that Hanning had previously faced separate allegations in a 2025 case involving Israeli spies, which prosecutors said formed part of a broader espionage inquiry.

A second man, identified only as Manfred D, was also arrested and charged with aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage. Prosecutors allege the two agreed in 2010 to transfer BND information in return for payment, and that around 2,000 documents were passed over several years. Some of those materials were reportedly classified and may have included sensitive intelligence on Iran’s nuclear programme and the Russian military.

The case is notable because it involves a former head of Germany’s own spy service, and comes amid other recent espionage investigations in the country. Al Jazeera said the matter is linked to a separate kidnapping probe involving businesswoman Christina Block, where Hanning is alleged to have connected her with a private Israeli intelligence firm.