August Hanning allegedly obtained thousands of classified documents from a former Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) colleague.

The 80-year-old, who headed the BND, the Federal Intelligence Service, from 1998 to 2005, is accused of espionage, disclosure of state secrets, attempted treason and acting as a secret service agent.

His alleged accomplice, identified as Manfred D., was also arrested. Prosecutors said the pair are believed to have arranged for D. to supply Hanning with classified material in exchange for payment.

D., who remained at the BND until March 2026, allegedly provided approximately 2,000 documents between 2012 and March 2026.

Hanning is accused of using some of the material in private consulting work and passing information to a foreign intelligence service.

The case has been described as Germany’s “biggest espionage scandal of the century”.