Germany's federal prosecutor has arrested August Hanning, the former president of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), on suspicion of obtaining classified documents from his former agency and using them in his private consultancy work. The 80-year-old is accused of offences including obtaining state secrets and treason-related espionage, according to reports from Süddeutsche Zeitung and other German media.
Allegations of a long-running leak
Hanning, who led the BND from 1998 to 2005, is alleged to have continued receiving confidential documents from the intelligence service for years after leaving office. His former chief of staff is suspected of supplying him with the material and has also reportedly been arrested. The documents are said to have included intelligence reports intended for the German Chancellery in Berlin.
The investigation emerged from information uncovered during proceedings linked to German businesswoman Christina Block and the alleged leaking of documents from the Chancellery. Investigators are now examining whether any of the classified information was passed on to foreign powers, a step that would elevate the case to a matter of national security.
Hanning's arrest marks a rare and serious development in Germany's intelligence community, which has faced scrutiny in recent years over political interference and operational failures. The case also raises questions about the oversight of former officials who retain access to sensitive state secrets.
Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office has not yet issued a formal statement, but legal experts note that the charges of treason-related espionage carry severe penalties under German law. The case is being closely watched in Brussels, where EU institutions have been working to strengthen counter-intelligence cooperation among member states.
Hanning's career spanned decades, including a stint as state secretary in the Federal Ministry of the Interior under Chancellor Angela Merkel. His consultancy work after leaving office has been the focus of previous media reports, but this is the first time he has faced criminal charges.
The arrest comes amid heightened concerns about espionage across Europe, with several recent cases involving suspected Russian and Chinese intelligence activities. In a separate development, the EU has been tracking a suspected plague case in Siberia, highlighting the continent's focus on security threats from the east.
Legal analysts say the case could test Germany's ability to protect its secrets while respecting the rights of former officials. The investigation is ongoing, and Hanning is expected to appear before a judge in the coming days.
