August Hanning and Manfred D. Arrested in Germany
Former German intelligence chief August Hanning has been arrested under suspicion of espionage, high treason, and leaking state secrets, German media outlets WDR, NDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung reported. The German Federal Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the arrest of Hanning, who led the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005. Investigators also detained Manfred D., who served as Hanning’s chief of staff during that period and allegedly sold government secrets to the former BND head until 2022.
Hanning Allegedly Bought Confidential BND Data
According to reports from WDR, NDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung, the ongoing criminal inquiry focuses on the acquisition of confidential documents, treason, and espionage on behalf of a foreign power. Investigators state that Hanning purchased data from an internal source within the BND. Manfred D., the alleged seller, maintained employment with the intelligence service until the spring of the prior year.
Prosecutors are examining whether Hanning utilized the classified intelligence to compile security analyses. Media outlets report that Hanning shared these assessments at least once with a foreign intelligence service. Authorities are also investigating whether he incorporated internal BND material into communications with a foreign agent. German media noted that Russia is not involved in the case.
Future Statements from Prosecutors
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has not yet disclosed the full scope of the charges or the identity of the foreign intelligence service allegedly involved. Federal prosecutors announced that they will release a formal statement regarding the arrests and the ongoing investigation at a later time.
Worth a look