Former German spy chief arrested on suspicion of treason and espionage
August Hanning, the former head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service, has been arrested on charges of treason and espionage. Prosecutors allege he received classified documents from his former chief of staff for use in private consulting work.
Why it matters
The arrest of a high-ranking former intelligence official for selling state secrets is a significant national security scandal for Germany.
August Hanning’s former chief of staff was also arrested on suspicion of ‘aiding and abetting attempted treason’.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info August Hanning, former president of the German Federal Intelligence Service, arrives at the parliament building to testify in front of the committee investigating the NSA spying scandal, in Berlin, Germany, October 2, 2015 [Michael Kappeler/Picture Alliance via Getty] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP , AP and Reuters Published On 6 Oct 2026 6 Oct 2026 Germany’s former foreign spy chief has been arrested on suspicion of espionage and treason, prosecutors have said.
August Hanning, 80, is under investigation for attempted treason and acting as an agent for a foreign intelligence service, the Office of the Federal Public Prosecutor General confirmed on Tuesday.
Hanning was president of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service between 1998 and 2005.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Ex-spy chief is arrested in Germany on suspicion of trading state secrets, treason
Ex-spy chief is arrested in Germany on suspicion of trading state secrets and treason
Former German spy chief arrested for espionage and treason
Germany arrests former domestic intelligence chief over alleged spying
Ex-German Spy Chief Arrested For Espionage, Treason
Germany arrests former spy chief over treason and espionage allegations
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