Former German intelligence chief under investigation for espionage

The former head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), August Hanning, is under investigation by German authorities on suspicion of obtaining and using classified information for his private activities as a consultant.

According to German media reports, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the 80-year-old Hanning on suspicions relating to obtaining state secrets and espionage in connection with treason-related offences.

Hanning is suspected of continuing to receive confidential documents from the BND for several years after leaving office. According to the investigation, the materials were allegedly provided to him by his former chief of staff, who is also reported to have been arrested.

According to Süddeutsche Zeitung, the documents also included intelligence reports intended for the German Chancellery. Investigators are also examining whether this classified information may have been passed on to foreign powers.

The investigation is believed to have begun following information uncovered during proceedings relating to German businesswoman Christina Block and the alleged leaking of documents from the Chancellery.

The reports on the case were published jointly by Süddeutsche Zeitung and the German public broadcasters WDR and NDR.