Germany’s former foreign intelligence chief August Hanning was arrested Tuesday in a major espionage investigation involving allegations that classified German intelligence was obtained and used in dealings involving foreign intelligence services. Hanning is suspected of treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets, attempted treason and intelligence activity on behalf of a foreign service, Reuters reports.

Hanning, 80, served as president of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, the BND, from 1998 until 2005, before later serving as a senior official in the Interior Ministry. His former close aide and BND official, identified by German authorities as Manfred D., was also arrested Tuesday.

Prosecutors allege that beginning in 2010, years after Hanning had left the BND, Manfred D. repeatedly supplied him with sensitive intelligence in exchange for payment. Investigators say approximately 2,000 documents were transferred, including classified BND material and intelligence briefings intended for Germany’s chancellery.

According to prosecutors, Hanning used some of the classified information in connection with his private consulting activities. He is accused of using intelligence obtained through the arrangement to prepare an analysis for an officer of a foreign intelligence service and of providing political intelligence to another foreign intelligence agency over a period of several years.

Authorities have not publicly identified the foreign countries or intelligence services allegedly involved. Hanning was arrested in southern Germany, while his former aide was detained in western Germany, and authorities carried out searches as part of the investigation.

The case is particularly extraordinary because of Hanning’s former position at the pinnacle of Germany’s intelligence establishment. The allegations against Hanning and his former aide have not been proven in court, and the investigation remains ongoing.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)