Former German spy chief arrested for espionage and treason
Prosecutors say he obtained about 2,000 classified BND documents and used some in private consulting work, while investigators probe possible foreign ties.
- On Tuesday, German federal prosecutors arrested former Federal Intelligence Service president August Hanning and an aide identified as Manfred in Bad Toelz-Wolfratshausen on suspicion of espionage, treason, and obtaining classified information.
- Prosecutors allege Hanning bought secret BND intelligence reports intended for the German Chancellery to leverage for his private consulting activities, following discovery of an alleged leak of sensitive materials.
- Hanning served as president of the Federal Intelligence Service from Dec. 1998 to Nov. 2005, a tenure marked by significant restructuring within Germany's intelligence apparatus.
- Authorities have not publicly disclosed which foreign country or service may be involved, while the BND and Germany's federal prosecutor did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
- Further details are expected as the investigation develops, with the case demonstrating a potential security breach within Germany's intelligence oversight at the highest levels.
479 Articles
479 Articles
August Hanning is suspected of selling state secrets to capitalize on this information in the context of his private consulting services.
The former head of the intelligence services was arrested for espionage this Tuesday. The case is exceptional and reveals the weaknesses of a structure to which the federal authorities wish to give more prerogatives. ...
World News Quick Take
GERMANYEx-spy chief arrestedFormer Federal Intelligence Service (BND) director August Hanning was arrested yesterday on suspicion of espionage, accused of seeking to pass sensitive information to overseas intelligence services, prosecutors said. Hanning, who ran the BND from 1998 to 2005, is suspect
Germany has arrested a former intelligence director on charges of espionage, providing classified information to a foreign power, and treason. A co-conspirator was also apprehended.
Former German Intelligence Chief August Hanning Arrested on Alleged Treason and Espionage Charges
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. In an official statement, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office announced that the two German nationals were taken into custody on Tuesday, in Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen County, Bavaria, and Steinfurt County, North Rhine-Westphalia, pursuant to warrants issued by the Investigating Judge at the Federal Court of Justice. Law enforcement officers simultaneously searched properties in both locations as we…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
