Former German Intelligence Chief Arrested on Treason and Espionage Charges
The arrest of August Hanning threatens to expose deep breaches inside Germany's foreign spy agency and its intelligence-sharing ties with international partners.
German police arrested former foreign intelligence chief August Hanning on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, on suspicion of treason and espionage. Federal prosecutors ordered the detention of the 80-year-old alongside a former intelligence employee identified as Manfred D. Officers simultaneously searched properties in Berlin, Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia.
Accounts differed on the precise arrest locations. The Guardian reported that police arrested Hanning in Nordwalde near Münster, while the Associated Press stated he was detained in Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen. The Guardian reported Manfred D. was arrested in Bavaria, while the Associated Press placed his arrest in Steinfurt.
Federal prosecutors said Hanning and Manfred D. formed an agreement in 2010. Manfred D. allegedly leaked roughly 2,000 classified documents to Hanning over several years in exchange for money. The records included agency files and executive briefings meant for the German Chancellery.
The leaked files contained intelligence on the Russian armed forces, Iran's nuclear program and foreign partner agencies. Prosecutors said Hanning used the records in his private consulting business. He also allegedly drafted an analytical briefing for an officer of an unnamed foreign intelligence service.
Federal prosecutors said Hanning also maintained an informal intelligence-sharing channel with a second foreign service. Security officials told media that the service receiving the briefing was not Russian. Investigators noted it remains unconfirmed whether the briefing reached its intended recipient.
Hanning led the foreign intelligence service, known as the BND, from 1998 to 2005. He then served as an interior ministry state secretary until 2009. Manfred D. served as chief of staff to Hanning and subsequent agency presidents until March 2026.
The inquiry began after police searched Hanning's home in September 2025 during an investigation into steakhouse heiress Christina Block. Hamburg prosecutors suspected Hanning of accepting a contract to abduct Block's children. Federal prosecutors took over the espionage case in May 2026 after discovering the intelligence files.
BND President Martin Jäger said the agency launched internal inquiries and would not compromise on internal security. Marc Henrichmann, who leads parliament's intelligence oversight committee, said Germany will not tolerate the betrayal of state secrets. The German Chancellery and Hanning did not comment.
Both men are scheduled to appear before an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe on Tuesday and Wednesday. The judge will rule on pre-trial detention. Treason carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under German law.
