Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining state secrets, in a case that prosecutors say could involve one of Germany’s most serious intelligence breaches in decades.
Hanning, 80, who headed Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005, was arrested on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Prosecutors accuse him of obtaining classified intelligence through a former BND official and using some of the material in work involving a foreign intelligence service.
Former BND chief accused of obtaining secret documents
According to Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office, Hanning is strongly suspected of treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets, attempted treason and espionage.
Investigators allege that about five years after Hanning left the BND, he reached an agreement with a former BND office manager to receive confidential intelligence in exchange for payment.
The second suspect, identified as Manfred D., was also arrested on Tuesday. Prosecutors allege that he supplied Hanning with around 2,000 documents over several years.
Many of the documents were classified and intended only for internal use by Germany's foreign intelligence service and senior government officials.
The material reportedly included intelligence briefings concerning Iran's nuclear programme and the Russian military, as well as information classified by intelligence services from allied countries.
Alleged links to a foreign intelligence service
Prosecutors say Hanning used some of the classified information to prepare an analysis for an officer from a foreign intelligence service.
It has not yet been established whether the analysis actually reached its intended recipient.
Investigators also allege that Hanning maintained contact for years with a representative of another foreign intelligence service and shared political information with that person.
German authorities have not publicly identified the foreign intelligence services involved. Reports citing German media have suggested a possible connection to Azerbaijan, while investigators have indicated that the case does not involve Russia.
The allegations remain under investigation, and Hanning has not publicly responded to the accusations.
Second suspect allegedly had continued BND access
The case has drawn particular attention because of Manfred D.'s continued position within the BND after Hanning's departure.
Prosecutors said Manfred D. served as chief of staff to several successive BND presidents between 2012 and March 2026.
That position allegedly gave him access to highly sensitive intelligence, which investigators believe he later passed to Hanning in exchange for money.
The documents allegedly included material prepared for high-level intelligence briefings at Germany's Federal Chancellery.
The scale of the alleged leak has raised concerns about the potential damage to Germany's intelligence relationships with its international partners.
Investigation reportedly began with another case
The espionage investigation reportedly emerged after German authorities discovered BND documents during an investigation involving Hanning in a separate case.
German media reported that police searched properties connected to Hanning in 2025 as part of an investigation surrounding German businesswoman Christina Block and an alleged child-abduction plot.
During that investigation, authorities reportedly discovered sensitive BND material that should not have been in Hanning's possession. The Federal Prosecutor's Office subsequently took over the espionage investigation in May 2026.
The circumstances surrounding how the documents left the BND remain part of the investigation.
BND promises ‘no compromises’ on security
BND President Martin Jaeger said the agency began extensive internal investigations once suspicions emerged.
“There can be no compromises on internal security,” Jaeger said, according to Reuters.
The case could have significant consequences for Germany's intelligence community because some of the allegedly leaked information reportedly originated from foreign partner agencies.
Security officials have warned that intelligence-sharing relationships depend heavily on trust and confidence that classified information will remain protected.
The arrest of a former BND chief makes the case particularly sensitive because Hanning once occupied one of Germany's most senior intelligence positions.
Hanning led the BND for seven years
Hanning served as BND president from 1998 until 2005, overseeing Germany's foreign intelligence service during a period marked by major international security challenges.
After leaving the BND, he served as a state secretary at Germany's Interior Ministry until 2009 before later working as a security consultant.
The current allegations concern activities that prosecutors say began years after his departure from the intelligence service.
Hanning and Manfred D. were expected to appear before a judge at Germany's Federal Court of Justice following their arrests.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not said whether additional suspects will be arrested.
