From EUobserver · · 1m 10s
German Ex-Spy Chief Arrested Over Espionage Allegations
Former German intelligence chief arrested for leaking top-secret BND files to foreign services.
In brief
Former German intelligence chief arrested for leaking top-secret BND files to foreign services. August Hanning, ex-head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service, arrested for allegedly stealing 2,000 classified documents and sharing them with foreign intelligence agencies. Originally reported by EUobserver.
Treason Case Emerges
A case of treason on an unprecedented scale is emerging at Germany’s foreign intelligence service, in what German media say could shake the entire agency.
August Hanning Investigated
August Hanning, the former head of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), is being investigated for alleged espionage detrimental to the state and intelligence activities.
Hanning's Tenure Ended
Hanning’s tenure at the BND ended in November 2005.
Arrest Details
He was arrested at his home in Nordwalde, near Münster in western Germany, on Tuesday (6 October).
Leaked Documents
According to investigative journalists, Manfred D. leaked top-secret information from within the BND to Hanning until 2022.
BND Documents Obtained
In total, he obtained around 2,000 documents, including highly sensitive reports on Iran's nuclear programme or the Russian military.
Consequence
The leak is regarded by intelligence services as an absolute catastrophe, potentially causing friendly services to lose trust in the BND.
The key point
August Hanning, ex-head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service, arrested for allegedly stealing 2,000 classified documents and sharing them with foreign intelligence agencies.
