# Ex-German intelligence chief arrested

> Former German intelligence chief August Hanning arrested over suspected espionage.
- Title: Ex-German intelligence chief arrested · euronews | Shortify
- Summary: Former German intelligence chief August Hanning arrested over suspected espionage. august hanning, bnd, federal prosecutor's office · reported by euronews.
- Keywords: august hanning, bnd, federal prosecutor's office, germany, sueddeutsche zeitung, wdr, ndr, news, world, politics, Ex-German, intelligence
- Source: euronews — https://euronews.com/2026/10/06/ex-german-intelligence-chief-arrested-over-suspected-espionage
- Author: Patrick Drews
- Published: 2026-10-06T08:38:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: august hanning, bnd, federal prosecutor's office, germany, sueddeutsche zeitung, wdr, ndr, news, world, politics
## August Hanning accused
Former German intelligence chief August Hanning is accused of obtaining classified information from a former BND employee and using it in his private consultancy work.
## Investigation underway
Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating 80-year-old former BND president Hanning on suspicion of state secrets and treason-related espionage.
## Confidential documents received
Hanning allegedly continued to receive confidential documents from the intelligence service for years after leaving office.
## Former chief of staff arrested
His former chief of staff is suspected of supplying him with the material and has also reportedly been arrested.
## Documents for Chancellery
The documents included intelligence reports intended for the German Chancellery according to the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
## Foreign powers under scrutiny
Investigators are also examining whether classified information was passed on to foreign powers.
## Key takeaway

Former German intelligence chief August Hanning arrested over suspected espionage.