Former German spy chief arrested on suspicion of espionage, attempted treason

August Hanning, former head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service (BND), was arrested on suspicion of espionage and attempted treason. He is accused of obtaining classified documents and using secret information to prepare an analysis for an employee of a foreign intelligence service. His former aide, Manfred D., was also arrested for allegedly transmitting intelligence to Hanning in exchange for payment.

• Former German spy chief August Hanning arrested for espionage and attempted treason.
• Hanning allegedly obtained and used classified documents for private consulting and analysis for a foreign intelligence service.
• His former aide, Manfred D., is accused of aiding and abetting by transmitting intelligence to Hanning for payment.
• Approximately 2,000 documents, many classified, were allegedly provided by Manfred D. to Hanning.
• The investigation originated from evidence gathered in an unrelated case involving the abduction of children.
• This is the first detention of a former head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service.