Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former President of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), August Hanning, has been arrested over allegations of espionage, obtaining state secrets and attempted treason, German federal prosecutors said on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Hanning, 80, who headed Germany’s foreign intelligence agency from 1998 to 2005, was arrested alongside his former BND office manager, identified as Manfred D., during a coordinated operation by federal authorities. Properties linked to the suspects were also searched.
According to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, Hanning is strongly suspected of treasonous espionage, spying out state secrets, attempted treason and espionage.
Investigators allege that Hanning and Manfred D. agreed in 2010 that the former BND official would provide Hanning with confidential intelligence in exchange for payment.
Prosecutors said Manfred D. allegedly supplied approximately 2,000 documents over the years, including classified material intended for internal use within the BND and intelligence briefings prepared for senior officials at Germany’s Federal Chancellery.
Investigators further allege that Hanning used some of the information in his private consulting activities.
In at least one instance, prosecutors said, Hanning allegedly used classified intelligence supplied by Manfred D. to prepare an analysis for an officer of a foreign intelligence service.
Authorities have not identified the foreign intelligence service involved and said it had not yet been established whether the material reached the intended recipient. German media reports cited by Reuters said the case does not involve Russia.
Prosecutors also allege that Hanning maintained contact for several years with a representative of another foreign intelligence service and passed on political information, some of which was based on material obtained from the BND.
Manfred D., who is accused of aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage, reportedly continued working within the BND until 2026. Investigators say his position gave him access to sensitive information.
The investigation reportedly began after German authorities discovered classified BND material during a separate investigation involving Hanning.
According to German broadcaster DW, a search of Hanning’s residence in September 2025 in connection with an investigation into the alleged abduction of the children of Hamburg businesswoman Christina Block led investigators to electronic material containing classified BND documents. The documents were subsequently transferred to federal authorities for examination.
The espionage investigation was formally taken up by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in May 2026, according to German media reports.
Hanning’s arrest has attracted significant attention because of his former position at the top of Germany’s foreign intelligence service. The allegations concern information obtained years after he left the BND, with investigators examining whether sensitive intelligence was subsequently used or shared with foreign intelligence representatives.
The BND said it had launched an internal investigation after the suspicions emerged. BND President Martin Jaeger said there could be no compromise when it comes to the agency’s internal security, Reuters reported.
Hanning has not publicly commented on the allegations, while Germany’s Chancellery also declined to comment, according to Reuters.
Both Hanning and Manfred D. are expected to appear before an investigating judge at Germany’s Federal Court of Justice, who will determine whether their detention should continue.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. Neither suspect has been convicted of the offences alleged against them.
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