paroolOct 6, 2026, 10:00

Former head of German intelligence arrested for espionage and treason

Former German intelligence chief August Hanning and his former aide Manfred D. have been arrested for espionage and treason after allegedly leaking thousands of classified BND documents. Prosecutors suspect that the information, which included sensitive security briefings, was improperly shared with foreign intelligence contacts over several years.

Former German intelligence chief August Hanning and his former chief of staff, identified as Manfred D., have been arrested on charges of treason and espionage. Prosecutors allege that Hanning purchased approximately 2000 secret documents from Manfred D. between 2012 and 2022. These materials included sensitive information relevant to intelligence consultations with the German chancellor's office, potentially compromising cooperation with foreign agencies if leaked.

The 80-year-old Hanning, who led the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) from 1998 to 2005, is accused of using these classified documents to conduct security analyses for foreign entities. Investigators discovered the evidence while searching Hanning's property during a separate, unrelated investigation regarding a child custody dispute in 2023. While authorities have not specified which nations were the intended recipients of the leaked intelligence, they emphasize that the scope of the potential betrayal is significant. Both men currently face serious charges related to the illegal handling and distribution of state secrets.

Politics World

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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