Germany’s former foreign intelligence chief, August Hanning, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage and treason, prosecutors announced. The 80-year-old is under investigation for attempted treason and acting as an agent for a foreign intelligence service.
Hanning, who led Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service from 1998 to 2005, was detained in Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen. His former chief of staff, identified as Manfred D, was arrested in Steinfurt, accused of “aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage”.
Investigators revealed that Hanning had used classified intelligence from Manfred D to produce an analysis for a foreign intelligence officer. Manfred D previously served as chief of staff to Hanning’s successors from 2012 to 2026, where he allegedly accessed confidential information and shared it with Hanning for payment. Over the years, he reportedly provided Hanning with around 2,000 documents, many containing sensitive information meant solely for the intelligence service’s internal use.
The investigation does not disclose which country the two men are suspected of spying for, nor whether the information was successfully passed on. German MP Marc Henrichmann stated that Germany “will not tolerate the betrayal of secrets”, asserting that those who betray liberal democracy will be held accountable.
Searches were conducted at locations linked to both men, including operations in Berlin.
