Former German intelligence chief held on suspicion of treasonous espionage2026-10-07A German court ordered former BND chief August Hanning held in pretrial detention after his arrest on suspicion of espionage and treason; a former aide was also arrested and detained.Prosecutors allege Hanning’s former aide supplied him with about 2,000 intelligence documents over 12 years, through June 2022, in exchange for payment.Prosecutors say Hanning allegedly used classified information in private consulting work, but have not identified the suspected foreign intelligence services.Hanning allegedly prepared an analysis for an employee of a foreign intelligence service using classified information, but investigators have not established whether it was delivered.What we know about espionage, treason allegations against Germany's ex-spy chief (France 24)Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning and former aide in custody on suspicion of espionage (Euronews)Un ancien chef du renseignement allemand arrêté pour espionnage et tentative de haute trahison (L'Opinion)Ex-German intelligence chief arrested over suspected espionage (Euronews)«Nous ne tolérons pas la trahison» : un ancien chef du renseignement allemand arrêté pour espionnage (CNEWS)Former BND chief's aide arrested as Germany's biggest spy scandal widens (Euronews)Former German spy chief arrested on suspicion of espionage, attempted treason (Fox News)