Former German Spy Chief Detained Over Espionage Suspicions

Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning has been detained on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, German newspaper Bild reported on Tuesday. Hanning led Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) until 2005.

According to the report, prosecutors allege that Hanning purchased secret information from a former BND employee and planned to sell it through his consulting activities. The investigation reportedly began after authorities discovered an alleged leak of intelligence reports intended for Germany’s Chancellery.

The BND and Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. The allegations remain under investigation, and further details about the case have not yet been made public.

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