German authorities have arrested August Hanning, who led the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005, on suspicion of espionage, treason, and obtaining classified information for foreign intelligence services. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office alleges that Hanning used classified intelligence to draft analysis for one foreign intelligence agency and maintained contact with representatives of another foreign spying service. The identities of the foreign powers involved have not been disclosed by investigators.
Alongside Hanning’s arrest, police detained Manfred D, a former BND employee who served as Hanning’s bureau chief and remained with the agency until this year. Prosecutors accuse Manfred D of providing Hanning with approximately 2,000 classified documents in exchange for payment. The documents allegedly contained sensitive information restricted for exclusive use within the Federal Intelligence Service. Manfred D also served as chief of staff for Hanning’s successors from 2012 through this year, which prosecutors say gave him access to highly confidential materials.
Prosecutors indicate that Hanning used classified intelligence obtained from Manfred D to prepare analysis for a foreign intelligence officer, though it remains unclear whether the material reached its intended recipient. Additionally, Hanning is accused of sharing political information based partly on materials provided by Manfred D with a representative of another foreign intelligence service over a period of several years. Both men appeared or are scheduled to appear in court, with Manfred D’s hearing occurring before Hanning’s.
The discovery of the alleged espionage activity reportedly emerged during an investigation into an unrelated case involving steakhouse heiress Christina Block, who faced accusations related to a custody dispute. Police officers found an electronic storage device containing sensitive information, including recent BND documents, during that inquiry. This case represents another significant breach at the German intelligence agency; a high-ranking intelligence officer was previously charged with treason in 2023 for allegedly passing state secrets to Russia and receiving substantial compensation.
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