A former chief of Germany’s foreign intelligence agency was apprehended on Tuesday on suspicion of sharing classified information with a foreign intelligence service, as disclosed by the federal prosecutor’s office. August Hanning, who headed the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005, is under investigation for alleged acts of espionage and treason. The 80-year-old Hanning was arrested in southern Germany, while a former aide, known as Manfred D., was also taken into custody in western Germany, facing charges related to aiding and abetting espionage activities.
The federal prosecutor’s office revealed that Hanning is accused of utilizing confidential data to create analysis for a foreign intelligence service employee and passing on information after extensive exchanges with another intelligence service operative. The identities of the foreign entities involved in the espionage activities were not disclosed.
Both suspects are believed to have engaged in an agreement in 2010, where Manfred D. continuously provided valuable intelligence from the BND to Hanning in exchange for payment. It was reported that Manfred D. had supplied approximately 2,000 documents containing classified information to Hanning over the years. The prosecutor’s office highlighted that Hanning used the confidential data for private consulting work and drafting analyses for foreign intelligence officers.
The investigation into Hanning’s activities was triggered by a separate probe into the abduction of businesswoman Christina Block’s children, leading to the recent arrests. Evidence discovered during a search of Hanning’s residence in connection with the abduction case unveiled incriminating details, prompting the current legal proceedings.
Hanning and a former official from the Hamburg State Criminal Police Office are suspected of involvement in a contract to abduct Block’s children in 2022. The Blocks, a well-known Hamburg family famous for their steakhouse chain, have been embroiled in a high-profile custody battle that has garnered significant media attention in Germany.
The allegations against Hanning have sparked shock and concern, with German opposition lawmaker Konstantin von Notz calling for a swift and thorough investigation into the matter. Von Notz emphasized the gravity of the situation and demanded transparency in the inquiry. No immediate response was received from the BND regarding the unfolding events.