**Former Head of Germany’s Intelligence Service Arrested for Espionage**
Germany’s former head of the Federal Intelligence Service, August Hanning, has been arrested on suspicion of passing classified information to a foreign intelligence agency. The arrest also involved a former aide, Manfred D., who is accused of aiding in the espionage activities.
Hanning, 80, was apprehended in southern Germany, while Manfred D. was taken into custody in the western part of the country. According to the federal prosecutor’s office, Hanning is alleged to have engaged in treasonous espionage by sharing state secrets with foreign intelligence services.
The investigation revealed that Hanning and Manfred D. had an agreement since 2010 to exchange valuable intelligence from the Federal Intelligence Service. It is estimated that around 2,000 documents, many containing classified information, were transferred from the BND to Hanning over the years.
The suspects are suspected of collaborating with foreign intelligence services to provide confidential information. Hanning reportedly used the classified data for private consulting work and shared it with a foreign agent, although the specific country involved has not been disclosed.
The arrests stemmed from a separate probe into the abduction of a businesswoman’s children, which uncovered evidence leading to the espionage allegations. The federal prosecutor’s office emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge.
German opposition lawmaker Konstantin von Notz expressed concern over the situation and called for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Hanning. The BND has not yet responded to requests for comments on the matter.