Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and illegally obtaining state secrets, German federal prosecutors said Tuesday.
Hanning, 80, led Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005. Prosecutors said he is strongly suspected of treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets and acting as an agent for a foreign intelligence service.
A former senior BND employee, identified as Manfred D. under German privacy rules, was also arrested. Prosecutors allege that the two men agreed in 2010 that Manfred D. would provide Hanning with confidential intelligence from the BND in exchange for payment.
Investigators believe Manfred D. supplied Hanning with approximately 2,000 documents over several years. Some of the material was classified and intended exclusively for internal use by Germany’s foreign intelligence service, including high-level intelligence briefings.
Prosecutors allege that Hanning used some of the information in his private consulting activities. In one instance, he is accused of using classified intelligence to prepare an analysis for an officer connected to a foreign intelligence service.
Authorities have not identified the foreign intelligence service allegedly involved. German media reports cited by Reuters indicated that Russia is not believed to be involved in the case, although the investigation remains ongoing.
The arrests followed an investigation that began in connection with a separate case involving the alleged abduction of the children of Hamburg businesswoman Christina Block during a custody dispute. Evidence reportedly uncovered while investigating that case led authorities to examine Hanning’s alleged handling of classified information.
German authorities carried out searches at properties linked to both suspects. The two men were expected to appear before a judge at Germany’s Federal Court of Justice.
The allegations have raised serious concerns about the handling of sensitive intelligence by former senior officials. Konstantin von Notz, a Green Party lawmaker who serves on Germany’s parliamentary intelligence oversight committee, called for a swift and comprehensive investigation. He also renewed calls for tighter restrictions on former officials with high-level security clearances entering private consulting work.
The case could have significant implications for Germany’s intelligence community if investigators establish that classified information was improperly transferred to foreign intelligence services.
Authorities have stressed that the allegations remain under investigation and that the suspects are entitled to due process as the legal proceedings continue.
Swifteradio.com
