Former German Intelligence Chief August Hanning Arrested for Suspected Espionage
Former German intelligence chief August Hanning was arrested on suspicion of espionage, high treason, and gathering state secrets alongside his former assistant.
German authorities arrested August Hanning, the former head of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), on suspicion of espionage and treason. Hanning, who led the agency from 1998 to 2005, was taken into custody at his home in Nordwalde, near Münster in western Germany.
According to the federal prosecutor's office, Hanning is suspected of high treason, gathering state secrets, and acting as an agent for a foreign intelligence service. His former senior assistant, identified only as Manfred D., was simultaneously arrested in Bavaria during the sweeping operation.
Investigators stated that the co-suspect allegedly provided Hanning with hundreds of classified documents in exchange for money over an extended period. Law enforcement officials conducted extensive searches at the residences of both suspects as the high-profile security investigation continues.
