Former BND chief August Hanning arrested for espionage

August Hanning, the 80-year-old former head of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND), was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of treasonous espionage. Reports from Der Spiegel indicate that Hanning, who had been working as a private consultant since leaving the agency in 2005, is accused of sharing sensitive information with a high-ranking official from the Chinese intelligence apparatus.

Simultaneously, federal prosecutors apprehended Manfred D., a former BND personnel director who served until May 2026. Authorities allege that Manfred D. provided Hanning with more than 2,000 classified documents in exchange for payment. These documents were reportedly used to compile security reports for a foreign power. While the Federal Prosecutor's Office has not officially named the country involved, sources cited by Der Spiegel point directly to China.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the intelligence leaks and the potential damage to Germany's national security and diplomatic standing. The suspects face serious charges related to the compromise of state secrets and illegal cooperation with foreign intelligence services.