Ex-spy chief is arrested in Germany on suspicion of trading state secrets and treason
German authorities arrested August Hanning, who led the country’s Federal Intelligence Service from 1998 to 2005, on suspicion of espionage and treason-related offenses.
A former BND chief of staff, identified under German privacy rules as Manfred D., was also arrested. He is accused of helping Hanning obtain intelligence.
Prosecutors allege the men agreed in 2010 that Manfred D. would pass information to Hanning for payment. Investigators say he supplied about 2,000 documents, many classified for internal agency use.
Authorities say Hanning used the material in private consulting and once relied on classified intelligence to prepare an analysis for a foreign intelligence officer. Prosecutors have not named the country or service involved.
It was not immediately known whether the alleged arrangement continued until the arrests. The case is now in the hands of German prosecutors and investigators.
Key points
- Hanning headed Germany’s foreign intelligence service from 1998 to 2005.
- Prosecutors allege Manfred D. supplied Hanning with about 2,000 documents.
- Authorities have not disclosed which foreign intelligence service was involved.