Former German Spy Chief Arrested on Espionage and Treason Suspicions

A former head of Germany's intelligence service has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power.

August Hanning, who led the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005, was arrested at his home in Nordwalde near Münster, according to German prosecutors.

The 80-year-old former intelligence chief is accused of using classified material to prepare an analysis for a foreign intelligence service and maintaining contact with another foreign spying organisation.

The German Federal Prosecutor's Office has not identified the foreign powers allegedly involved.

Hanning denies involvement in a separate kidnapping investigation that reportedly led investigators to sensitive intelligence material.

Former BND employee also arrested

Investigators have also arrested a former BND employee identified as Manfred D.

Prosecutors accuse him of providing Hanning with approximately 2,000 documents, many of which allegedly contained classified information intended for internal use by Germany's intelligence service.

According to prosecutors, Manfred D obtained the material through his position and allegedly passed it to Hanning in exchange for payment.

He is accused of aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage.

Manfred D remained employed by the BND until this year and had previously served as bureau chief for Hanning. Prosecutors also say he worked as chief of staff for Hanning's successors between 2012 and 2026.

What prosecutors allege

The Federal Prosecutor's Office says Hanning allegedly used classified intelligence on at least one occasion to draft an analysis for an officer working for a foreign intelligence service.

However, investigators said it was not clear whether the material actually reached its intended recipient.

Hanning is also accused of maintaining close contact for several years with a representative of another foreign intelligence service.

Prosecutors allege that he passed political information to that person, with some of the information reportedly based on material supplied by Manfred D.

The identities of the alleged foreign intelligence services have not been disclosed.

How the investigation began

Reports in German media suggest the intelligence allegations emerged during a separate investigation involving German steakhouse heiress Christina Block.

Hamburg prosecutors have accused Block of orchestrating the kidnapping of her two youngest children in 2023 during a custody dispute.

Hanning has denied allegations that he was involved in an earlier attempted kidnapping involving the children.

During the investigation, state criminal police officers reportedly discovered an electronic storage device containing sensitive material, including recent BND documents.

That discovery is understood to have led investigators towards the allegations now facing the former intelligence chief.

Hanning's intelligence career

Hanning headed the BND for seven years between 1998 and 2005.

The agency is responsible for gathering foreign intelligence on behalf of the German government and plays a central role in Germany's national security system.

Since leaving the BND, Hanning has worked as a private consultant.

His arrest represents a major development because of his former position at the top of Germany's intelligence establishment.

However, the allegations against him have yet to be tested in court.

Another treason case involving the BND

The latest investigation comes after another major espionage case involving the BND.

In 2023, a senior German intelligence officer was charged with treason after allegedly passing state secrets to Russia.

Prosecutors accused Carsten L of sharing intelligence concerning Russia's war in Ukraine and the Wagner mercenary group.

He was also accused of receiving approximately €400,000 in connection with the alleged activity.

That case remains ongoing.

Court hearings expected

Hanning is due to appear in court on Wednesday, while Manfred D is expected before a judge on Tuesday.

The hearings are expected to determine the next stage of the proceedings.

For now, both men face serious allegations concerning the handling of classified German intelligence.

The German authorities have not identified the foreign intelligence services allegedly involved, and the full extent of any information that may have been passed on remains unclear.

The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against both men have not been proven in court.