Former German spy chief August Hanning and aide Manfred D were arrested on suspicion of espionage and treason, with prosecutors alleging Hanning received classified documents from D in exchange for payment. The case involves alleged transfers of 2,000 documents over years, some containing sensitive intelligence.
Hanning, who led Germany's Federal Intelligence Service from 1998 to 2005, was arrested in southern Germany. D, who served as Hanning's chief of staff until 2026, is suspected of supplying Hanning with classified information for remuneration. Prosecutors say Hanning used the documents to prepare analyses for a foreign intelligence service.
The case highlights concerns over the protection of national security secrets. Prosecutors have not identified the foreign intelligence service involved, and it is unclear if the documents reached their intended recipient. Searches were conducted in multiple locations, including Berlin, as part of the investigation.
The case does not involve Russia, according to information obtained by the SZ newspaper. Both suspects are due to appear before a judge at the Federal Court of Justice, with no immediate resolution on the identity of the foreign intelligence service involved.