Germany arrests former BND intelligence chief on suspicion of espionage and treason

German authorities have arrested August Hanning, former president of the BND foreign intelligence service, on suspicion of spying and high treason.

• German authorities arrested August Hanning, 80, who led the BND from 1998 to 2005, over alleged espionage and high treason.
• Federal prosecutors said Hanning is strongly suspected of collecting state secrets and working as an agent for a foreign intelligence service.
• A former senior aide, Manfred D., was also arrested, accused of supplying Hanning some 2,000 classified documents, including chancellery intelligence briefings, in exchange for money.
• The prosecutor's office did not reveal which country the information was intended for; German media reported the case does not involve Russia.
• Hanning reportedly used the classified information for private consulting work and once drafted an analysis for a foreign intelligence officer.
• The leaked documents reportedly included sensitive reports on Iran's nuclear program and the Russian military.
• The case came to light during a September 2025 search of Hanning's home in a separate investigation.
• Prosecutors allege Hanning and Manfred D. conspired since 2010 to pass sensitive intelligence in exchange for money.
• Prosecutors searched premises in several locations, including Berlin, and said the intended recipient of the material has yet to be determined.