Germany arrests former foreign intelligence chief August Hanning on suspicion of espionage and related offences, according to multiple European and international outlets. Several reports say German federal prosecutors have taken him into custody after an investigation into alleged handling or transmission of classified information.

Hanning leads Germany’s BND foreign intelligence service from 1998 to 2005. Sources differ slightly on the specific conduct described. Some outlets report investigators suspect he obtained classified material from a former BND employee and may have been preparing information for a foreign intelligence service through consulting work. Others describe the probe more generally as examining whether he passed state secrets or worked as an agent for foreign powers. The reporting also varies in how charges are characterized, with some outlets citing allegations that include treason or attempted treason.

While details of the allegations are not fully uniform across coverage, the sources converge that the case involves classified documents linked to Hanning’s former role and that investigators are assessing potential contacts or information transfers to foreign intelligence interests.