German spy chief espionage arrest 2026
One page that accretes the verified record as the story develops. Every fact keeps its date and its sources.
Ex-German spy chief arrested for working for enemy powers
August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of passing state secrets to a foreign intelligence service.
August Hanning is accused of obtaining around 2,000 sensitive documents from a former bureau chief who has also been arrested.
A federal prosecutor’s statement strongly suspected August Hanning of treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets, and attempted treason through contact with foreign intelligence services since 2010.
Former German spy chief arrested on suspicion of espionage
August Hanning was 80 years old at the time of his arrest.
August Hanning led Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005.
Prosecutors allege that beginning in 2010, Manfred D. agreed to routinely transmit intelligence to Hanning in exchange for payment.