German ex-spy chief arrested for suspected espionage, treason

France 246 October 2026, 19:42 UTCGermany

A former German spy chief was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of espionage and treason, an embarrassing case at a time when the country is seeking to broaden the powers of its intelligence agencies. August Hanning, who ran Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency from 1998 to 2005, is accused of espionage, treason and working for foreign intelligence services, federal prosecutors said. FRANCE 24's Nick Holdsworth reports from Berlin.

Read the full story at France 24 Open in the live monitor

Related discussion groups

No group discusses this yet. Start a discussion group and attach this story.

More news about Germany

German President Steinmeier targets China trip as Berlin sharpens trade stanceSouth China Morning Post8 October 2026, 05:06 UTCGermanyGovernment leadersGerman President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is planning to visit China in the coming weeks, even as relations between the two countries sour over trade, according to multiple sources familiar with the...
German court orders detention of former intelligence chief after spying arrestThe Guardian7 October 2026, 17:03 UTCGermanyAugust Hanning, 80, appears before judge after being accused of treason and espionage on behalf of foreign stateA formal arrest warrant has been issued against Germany’s former top spy, with a judg...
UEFA football leaders meet to shape strategy to oust FIFA’s InfantinoAl Jazeera7 October 2026, 16:47 UTCGermanyEuropean football leaders gather in Berlin with the aim of shaping strategy to oust Gianni Infantino as FIFA president.
Germany’s Merz vows to fight ‘extremism’ after AfD, far-left election gainsAl Jazeera7 October 2026, 16:12 UTCGermanyGovernment leadersFar-right and far-left parties gain ground in local elections as Merz's approval rating sinks.
Germany's AfD calls for end to support for Ukraine - ReutersReuters7 October 2026, 16:08 UTCGermanyGermany's AfD calls for end to support for Ukraine Reuters
German politicians warn of antisemitism on October 7 anniversaryDW7 October 2026, 16:04 UTCGermanyGovernment leadersLeading German politicians including Chancellor Merz and President Steinmeier called for people to reject antisemitism.
Germany news: Merz rails against extremism, AfD sympathizersDW7 October 2026, 15:17 UTCGermanyGovernment leadersPolitical extremism threatens Germany's existing social order, Chancellor Merz has said. The Transport Ministry has proposed a five-year plan to improve Germany's ailing railroad infrastructure. DW...
Ex-German spy chief arrested: A history of spooks working for enemy powersAl Jazeera7 October 2026, 14:52 UTCGermanyThere have been many cases of top spies giving classified information to enemy nations. Here are some of the highlights.