Former BND chief detained in German espionage investigation
Prosecutors allege confidential intelligence documents were supplied for payment and used to prepare an analysis for an unidentified foreign service.
Former German intelligence chief August Hanning and ex-BND office manager Manfred D. have been detained on suspicion of treason and espionage. Germany’s federal prosecutors allege confidential documents were supplied in exchange for payment and used by Hanning to prepare an analysis for a foreign intelligence service.
Prosecutors say Manfred D. supplied about 2,000 documents over several years, including classified material and intelligence briefings. They also allege Hanning shared political information with a representative of the foreign service.
The service has not been identified, and it is unclear whether the analysis reached it. Der Spiegel reported a possible connection to Azerbaijan, but prosecutors declined to comment on that report.
Hanning led the BND until 2005. Prosecutors say the alleged transfers began five years after his tenure ended. Both men were due to appear before a judge at the Federal Court of Justice.
BND President Martin Jaeger said the agency began internal investigations when suspicions emerged. The allegations have not been proven in court.
