- WIADOMOŚCI
Former head of German intelligence arrested. Suspicion of espionage
The former head of German intelligence, August Hanning, has been detained on suspicion of espionage, the dpa news agency reported. The investigation concerns, among other things, suspicions of obtaining state secrets, attempted high treason, and intelligence activities. Along with Hanning, a former close associate of his was also detained.
The former president of the German Federal Intelligence Service (Bundesnachrichtendienst – BND), August Hanning, has been detained on suspicion of espionage, the German news agency dpa reported, citing its own sources. According to the agency’s information, a former close associate of Hanning was also detained with him.
#BREAKING August Hanning, the former head of Germany's BND foreign intelligence service, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, sources tell dpa https://t.co/ewdNCF2TvV
— dpa news agency (@dpa_intl) October 6, 2026
The arrest reportedly took place in the early morning hours at Hanning’s home in Nordwalde near Münster. According to information provided by WDR, NDR, and the Süddeutsche Zeitung, proceedings against Hanning are being conducted by the Federal Prosecutor General. The investigation is said to involve suspicions of activities related to the illegal acquisition of information to the detriment of the state, obtaining state secrets, attempted high treason, and intelligence activities on behalf of foreign intelligence services.
