Former BND Chief Hanning Arrested Over Alleged Leak of 2,000 Classified Files

German federal prosecutors arrested former BND president August Hanning, 80, at his home near Münster on Tuesday morning on suspicion of treason, espionage, and illegal handling of state secrets. His former chief of staff, identified as Manfred D., was also detained in Bavaria.

Investigators allege that starting in spring 2010, Hanning paid Manfred D. to supply classified BND documents for use in Hanning's private security consultancy. By June 2022, Hanning had reportedly received nearly 2,000 documents, many prepared for high-level briefings at the Chancellery.

“Whoever allies themselves with the enemies of our liberal democracy will be found out.”

Prosecutors say Hanning used the material to prepare analyses for at least one foreign intelligence service and passed information to a foreign agent. German media reported the recipient may have been Azerbaijan, though authorities have not confirmed the foreign power involved.

The case has triggered alarm among Western allies. British intelligence experts warned the breach could compromise sensitive intelligence shared by MI6 and the CIA, including assessments on Iran's nuclear programme and Russian military capabilities. The BND's current chief, Martin Jaeger, said the agency conducted extensive internal investigations before prosecutors took over.

If convicted, Hanning faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. The scandal arrives as Germany prepares to pass major intelligence reforms expanding the BND's covert powers early next year.