Former German intelligence chief August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of treason and espionage, according to Germany’s federal prosecutor.
Hanning, 80, was taken into custody on Tuesday in Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen in southern Germany. He headed the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), the country’s foreign intelligence agency, from 1998 to 2005.
Prosecutors accuse Hanning of several offences, including treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets and attempted treason. They have not disclosed the country or foreign intelligence service he is suspected of working with.
A former aide, identified as Manfred D., was also arrested on Tuesday in Steinfurt, western Germany. He is suspected of assisting in attempted treason and treasonous espionage. According to prosecutors, Manfred D. served as Hanning’s chief of staff and later worked as chief of staff to several BND presidents between March 2012 and March 2026. His position allegedly gave him access to sensitive intelligence.
Investigators allege that the two men reached an agreement in 2010 under which Manfred D. would regularly pass confidential BND information to Hanning in return for payment. Prosecutors say Manfred D. subsequently handed over around 2,000 documents, including material classified for internal use by the intelligence service. Much of the information was reportedly prepared for senior officials as part of intelligence briefings.
Hanning is accused of using some of the classified material in his private consultancy work. Investigators further allege that on one occasion, Hanning used intelligence supplied by Manfred D. to prepare an analysis for an official linked to a foreign intelligence service. Authorities have not identified the foreign country involved and said it remains unclear whether the information ultimately reached the intended recipient.
The arrests followed searches of properties linked to both suspects as investigators continue examining the alleged transfer and use of classified intelligence.
