Former German Spy Chief Arrested for Espionage and Treason

A former head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service, August Hanning, has been arrested for allegedly engaging in espionage and attempted treason. German prosecutors accuse him of obtaining classified documents and using secret information to prepare an analysis for a foreign intelligence service employee.

August Hanning, 80, held the position of chief of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005. Federal prosecutors have charged Hanning with various offenses including treasonous espionage and trying to spy out state secrets.

Another suspect, Manfred D., a former aide to Hanning, was also detained in western Germany. Prosecutors allege that Manfred D. aided in attempted treason and espionage. He worked as Hanning’s chief of staff and later served several successors at the BND between March 2012 and March 2026, which granted him access to confidential information.

The alleged espionage activities began in 2010. The men reportedly had an agreement where Manfred D. would supply intelligence to Hanning in return for payment. This arrangement supposedly lasted until June 2022. Manfred D. is accused of providing Hanning with approximately 2,000 documents, many of which were classified and meant for internal use only.

Authorities believe that Hanning utilized this information in his private consulting work. A spokesperson for the federal prosecutor’s office indicated that Hanning prepared analyses for a foreign intelligence service employee using the classified information.

The investigation into Hanning originated from another inquiry related to a 2024 child abduction case linked to Hamburg businesswoman Christina Block, which appeared to be unrelated at first. Evidence gathered in this case led to Hanning’s arrest.

This arrest represents the first time a former head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service has been detained, according to Reuters. Both Hanning and Manfred D. were scheduled to appear in front of a judge at Germany’s Federal Court of Justice post-arrest.

Fox News Digital has reached out to GLOBSEC, an organization previously associated with Hanning, for comments regarding his arrest and the accusations.