Former German spy chief arrested for espionage and treason
Former German intelligence chief August Hanning and a former BND employee have been arrested on charges of treason and espionage. Prosecutors allege the pair leaked approximately 2,000 classified documents to foreign intelligence services.
Why it matters
This represents a significant security breach within the German intelligence apparatus, raising questions about the integrity of high-level government officials and international intelligence cooperation.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Agents arrested August Hanning (pictured from 2008) at his home on Tuesday
Former German spy chief August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, the German Federal Prosecutor's Office says.
Hanning headed the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005 and has since been working as a private consultant.
Prosecutors allege that he used classified intelligence to "draft an analysis" for one foreign intelligence service and maintained contact with another foreign spying service. Investigators have not disclosed which foreign powers were involved.
Police also arrested former BND employee Mandred D, accusing him of passing Hanning about 2,000 classified documents for money.
Manfred D, who was Hanning's bureau chief and remained in the BND until this year, is charged with aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage.
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