Spy Chief Turned Suspect, Germany Secret Keeper Now Faces Treason Charge

Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning was arrested on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, on suspicion of passing classified state information to a foreign intelligence service, according to Germany federal prosecutor’s office. Hanning, who headed Germany Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005, is strongly suspected of treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets, attempted treason and espionage, prosecutors said. According to the prosecution, the alleged activities date back to five years after Hanning left his position as BND chief. Investigators suspect that he reached an arrangement with a former BND office manager, identified as Manfred D., to obtain confidential intelligence in exchange for payment. Prosecutors allege that around 2,000 classified documents were supplied over the years. The material reportedly included internal BND documents as well as high level intelligence briefings intended for Germany Chancellery. Authorities further allege that Hanning used some of the information to prepare an analysis for an officer from a foreign intelligence service and shared political information with a representative of that service over several years. The identity of the foreign intelligence agency has not been disclosed, and Reuters reported that prosecutors said the case does not involve Russia. The arrest comes at a sensitive time for Germany’s intelligence establishment, with the country already facing heightened concerns over espionage, cyberattacks and other security threats. BND President Martin Jaeger said the agency began an extensive internal investigation after suspicions emerged and stressed that there could be no compromise on internal security. Both Hanning and Manfred D. were due to appear before a judge at Germany Federal Court of Justice. Hanning has not responded to Reuters’ request for comment, while the German Chancellery also declined to comment. The case adds another chapter to Germany long history of espionage scandals, including the 1974 affair that led to Chancellor Willy Brandt resignation after an East German spy was discovered working as one of his close aides. Importantly, the allegations remain subject to the legal process. The arrest and prosecutors’ accusations do not establish that Hanning committed treason or espionage, and any final determination will depend on the investigation and subsequent court proceeding.