August Hanning, the former head of Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, was taken into custody Tuesday as prosecutors investigated allegations of espionage, attempted treason and the unauthorized handling of classified information. Investigators accuse him of obtaining secret documents and using sensitive material to produce an analysis for an employee of a foreign intelligence service.
Hanning, 80, headed Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, or BND, from 1998 through 2005.
Federal prosecutors said he is “strongly suspected” of treasonous espionage, the disclosure of state secrets, attempted treason and espionage.
Authorities also arrested a former aide, identified as Manfred D., in western Germany. He is accused of helping facilitate attempted treason and treasonous espionage.
August Hanning, who once led Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, was arrested on suspicion of espionage and attempted treason, federal prosecutors said. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP)
Prosecutors said Manfred D. previously served as Hanning’s chief of staff and later held the same position under several of Hanning’s successors at the BND from March 2012 to March 2026. That role allegedly gave him access to confidential agency material.
The investigation alleges that the two men reached an arrangement in 2010 under which Manfred D. regularly supplied intelligence to Hanning in return for money.
According to prosecutors, the alleged transfer of information continued until June 2022. During that period, Manfred D. is said to have provided approximately 2,000 documents, many marked classified and intended only for internal use.
Investigators allege that Hanning then used the material in his work as a private consultant.
Police officers stood outside the home of August Hanning, 80, the former head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, following his arrest on espionage suspicions in Nordwalde, Germany, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa via AP)
A spokesperson for the federal prosecutor’s office told German broadcaster RTL that investigators suspect Hanning relied on classified information to prepare an analysis for an employee of a foreign intelligence agency.
Prosecutors further alleged that Hanning shared information after maintaining extensive communications with an employee of another intelligence service.
German officials have not disclosed which foreign intelligence services are believed to be connected to the case.
The probe emerged from evidence uncovered in a separate investigation into the 2024 abduction of the children of Hamburg businesswoman Christina Block during a custody battle.
Prosecutors said material collected as part of that case ultimately led to Hanning’s arrest.
August Hanning headed Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, known as the BND, from 1998 to 2005 and later worked as a private consultant. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP)
Hanning’s detention is believed to be the first arrest of a former chief of Germany’s foreign intelligence service, Reuters reported.
Hanning and Manfred D. were expected to appear before a judge at Germany’s Federal Court of Justice after being taken into custody.
News Outlet has contacted GLOBSEC, where Hanning was previously affiliated, seeking comment on his arrest and the allegations.
