Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, attempted treason and obtaining state secrets, according to Germany’s federal prosecutor.
Hanning, 80, headed Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), the country’s foreign intelligence agency, from 1998 to 2005. Prosecutors allege that he later paid a former BND official to obtain confidential intelligence and used some of the information in work involving foreign intelligence contacts.
A former BND office manager identified as Manfred D. was also arrested. Prosecutors allege that he supplied Hanning with about 2,000 documents over several years, including classified material intended for internal use by the intelligence service and senior government officials.
Investigators believe the two men agreed in 2010 that Manfred D. would provide Hanning with intelligence in exchange for payment. Prosecutors said the alleged transfer of classified information continued for years, with material reportedly supplied until 2022.
Prosecutors also allege that Hanning used classified information to prepare an analysis for an officer of a foreign intelligence service. It remains unclear whether that analysis was ultimately delivered to its intended recipient.
German authorities have not identified the foreign intelligence services allegedly involved. The prosecutor’s office also said Hanning is suspected of maintaining contact with a representative of another foreign intelligence service and sharing political information, some of which was allegedly based on material supplied by Manfred D.
The arrests followed evidence uncovered during a separate investigation connected to the alleged abduction of children belonging to a prominent Hamburg business family. Hanning has previously been linked to that case, although the spying investigation concerns separate allegations.
Germany’s intelligence authorities said they launched internal investigations after concerns about the handling of sensitive information emerged. BND President Martin Jaeger said there could be “no compromises” regarding internal security.
Hanning did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment, while Germany’s Chancellery also declined to comment. Both Hanning and Manfred D. are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case is likely to draw further attention to the handling of classified information by former intelligence officials and the safeguards surrounding sensitive government material. Judicial proceedings are now expected to determine the next steps in the investigation.