Former German BND spy chief August Hanning arrested on espionage charges
Federal prosecutors arrest August Hanning and a former high-ranking BND employee over alleged state secret disclosures.
Quick Look
Police arrested former German BND intelligence chief August Hanning and an alleged accomplice on Tuesday on suspicion of espionage, disclosure of state secrets, and treason.
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Why It Matters
August Hanning served as the head of Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency between 1998 and 2005.
Police have arrested the former head of Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency, August Hanning, on suspicion of espionage, the federal prosecutor's office announced Tuesday.
Hanning served as the agency's chief between 1998 and 2005.
According to a statement from the prosecutor's office, he is facing charges including alleged espionage against the state, disclosure of state secrets, attempted treason, and working as a secret service agent.
The statement added that a former high-ranking employee of the BND had also been arrested on suspicion of providing Hanning with hundreds of classified documents in exchange for money over more than a decade.
What else do we know about the investigation?
Police arrested Hanning early Tuesday at his home in Nordwalde near the western German city of Münster, according to information from WDR, NDR and the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Hanning's alleged accomplice, who was identified only as Manfred D. in line with Germany's privacy laws, was taken into custody in Bavaria.
Authorities were conducting searches at both suspects' properties, as well as in Berlin, the prosecutor said.
During Hanning's tenure as spy chief, D. reportedly served as his chief of staff. He is facing charges of aiding and abetting attempted treason and espionage against the state.
Open Questions
- What specific state secrets were disclosed?
- Who were the documents leaked to?
- How much money was exchanged?
