Former BND head August Hanning and aide Manfred D arrested for alleged espionage and treason, with prosecutors alleging Hanning exchanged 2,000 classified documents for payment over years.
Hanning, who led BND from 1998-2005, is accused of using classified info to draft analysis for foreign service and sharing political info with another foreign agency. D, former BND chief of staff, supplied Hanning with documents and financial incentives.
Prosecutors say Hanning's alleged activities stem from a separate case involving Hamburg businesswoman Christina Block's children abduction, leading to searches of Hanning's residence. Investigation into Block's case prompted the arrests, with no clear details on foreign agent or if documents reached intended recipient.
Hanning, 80, faces charges of treasonous espionage and attempted treason, while D is charged with aiding Hanning's alleged activities. Both are set to appear in court, with no immediate details on foreign intelligence service involved.