Former BND Chief August Hanning Arrested on Espionage Suspicion, German Media Report
German media report that former BND president August Hanning was detained on suspicion of spying for foreign services, allegedly receiving payments for classified information.
Key facts
- Former BND chief August Hanning was arrested on suspicion of espionage, according to German media reports.
- He is accused of receiving classified BND information from his former office chief Manfred D. and selling it to foreign intelligence services for payment.
- Federal prosecutors have charged him with treasonous espionage and attempted treason, and he is to appear before an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice on Wednesday.
- BND President Martin Jäger said the agency launched internal investigations that strengthened the suspicion and that the federal prosecutor has taken over the case.
FAZ and Tagesschau reported that former BND chief August Hanning was arrested on suspicion of espionage. The reports were published on 6 October 2026.
FAZ reported that Hanning is accused of receiving classified BND information from his former office chief Manfred D. over several years and selling it to foreign intelligence services for payment. According to FAZ, the federal prosecutor has charged him with treasonous espionage and attempted treason.
FAZ describes Manfred D. as Hanning’s former office chief who later served other BND presidents and accuses him of aiding treason and espionage. FAZ quotes BND President Martin Jäger saying the agency launched internal investigations that strengthened the suspicion and that the federal prosecutor has taken over the case.
FAZ notes that the suspicion emerged during proceedings against Christina Block concerning the abduction of her children, which led Hamburg investigators to Hanning and his accomplice. According to FAZ, the investigators then informed the BND in Berlin about the alleged espionage.
The BND, Germany’s foreign intelligence service, is preparing for its biggest reform to gain more competencies, according to FAZ. The agency says it needs political trust to pass the reform law, and absolute confidentiality is considered essential for its work.
Context
The BND, Germany’s foreign intelligence service, is preparing for its biggest reform to gain more competencies, according to FAZ. The agency says it needs political trust to pass the reform law, and absolute confidentiality is considered essential for its work.
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