Former Germany Spy Chief Accused Of Espionage & Attempted Treason

August Hanning was detained on suspicion of espionage and attempted treason over allegations that he obtained classified documents and used secret intel.

A former spy chief for Germany’s foreign intelligence service was arrested Tuesday.

80-year-old August Hanning was detained on suspicion of espionage and attempted treason over allegations that he obtained classified documents and used secret intel to prepare an analysis for an employee of a foreign intelligence service.

Hanning led Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, known as the BND, from 1998 to 2005. Federal prosecutors said Hanning is “strongly suspected of treasonous espionage, spying out state secrets, attempted treason, and espionage.”

A former aide, identified as Manfred D., was also arrested in Western Germany. They’re accused of aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage in connection with the case.