Key facts
- Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning has been detained on suspicion of espionage and treason.
- Prosecutors allege Hanning bought secret information from a former BND employee.
- The investigation was reportedly triggered by a leak of intelligence reports intended for the chancellery.
- Hanning's tenure as head of the BND ended in 2005.
Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning has been detained on suspicion of espionage, treason, and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, according to a report by Bild newspaper.
Prosecutors allege that Hanning, whose tenure as head of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) ended in 2005, acquired secret information from a former employee of the agency and intended to sell it on as part of his consulting activities. The investigation was reportedly initiated following the discovery of an alleged leak of intelligence reports destined for the chancellery.