Former German Spy Chief Arrested on Espionage and Treason Charges

<p>A former spy chief for Germany's foreign intelligence service was arrested on October 6, 2026, on suspicion of espionage and attempted treason. The allegations involve obtaining classified documents and using secret information to prepare an analysis for an employee of a foreign intelligence service, according to prosecutors.</p><p>August Hanning, 80, led Germany's Federal Intelligence Service, known as the BND, from 1998 to 2005.</p><p>Federal prosecutors stated that Hanning is "strongly suspected of treasonous espionage, spying out state secrets, attempted treason, and espionage." A former aide, identified as Manfred D., was also arrested in western Germany and is accused of aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage in connection with the case.</p><p>Manfred D. worked as Hanning’s chief of staff before serving as chief of staff to several of Hanning's successors at the BND between March 2012 and March 2026, which provided him access to confidential information.</p><p>Beginning in 2010, the two men allegedly reached an agreement where Manfred D. would routinely transmit intelligence to Hanning in exchange for payment. This arrangement reportedly continued until June 2022, during which Manfred D. allegedly provided Hanning with approximately 2,000 documents, many containing classified information intended strictly for internal use.</p><p>Hanning allegedly utilized this information in his private consulting work. A spokesperson for the federal prosecutor’s office informed German broadcaster RTL that investigators believe Hanning used classified information to prepare an analysis for an employee of a foreign intelligence service.</p><p>Prosecutors also indicated that Hanning passed along information following extensive exchanges with an employee of another intelligence service. German authorities have not publicly identified the foreign intelligence services allegedly involved.</p><p>The investigation originated from an apparently unrelated case involving the 2024 abduction of the children of Hamburg businesswoman Christina Block during a custody dispute. Prosecutors noted that Hanning's arrest was based on evidence gathered during that investigation.</p><p>Hanning's arrest is notable as it marks the first detention of a former head of Germany's foreign intelligence service, according to Reuters. Hanning and Manfred D. were expected to appear before a judge at Germany's Federal Court of Justice following their arrests.</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to GLOBSEC, where Hanning previously held an affiliation, for comment on his arrest and the allegations against him.</p><p><em>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</em></p>