Former BND head August Hanning and former chief of staff Manfred D. arrested over alleged treason and espionage, marking one of Germany's largest intelligence scandals since Cold War. Hanning, 80, charged with leaking classified info to foreign agents, while D. faces aiding treasonous espionage. Both to appear in court next week.
Hanning, who led BND from 1998-2005, allegedly used classified documents for foreign intelligence services and maintained contact with a foreign spy agency. D. passed 2,000 documents to Hanning in exchange for money, including classified info on Iranian nuclear program and Russian military. Neither has commented on the case.
The case could strain Germany's intelligence relationships with allies, according to officials. BND has faced past scandals, including a 2023 case involving a BND officer passing secrets to Russia. Investigators say the case involves sensitive info on security meetings and could impact future intelligence cooperation with Germany.