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Germany's ex-spy chief August Hanning is suspected of passing secrets to a Chinese general, reports reveal

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

August Hanning, who ran Germany's Federal Intelligence Service from 1998 to 2005, was arrested on suspicion of buying classified documents from a former BND employee and intending to sell them on through his consulting…
August Hanning, who ran Germany's Federal Intelligence Service from 1998 to 2005, was arrested on suspicion of buying classified documents from a former BND employee and intending to sell them on through his consulting…

Today's reports name a Chinese general as the recipient of classified intelligence allegedly leaked by August Hanning, who led Germany's Federal Intelligence Service from 1998 to 2005. Hanning was arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified material for a foreign power. A second suspect, former BND employee Manfred D, is accused of supplying Hanning with roughly 2,000 classified documents in exchange for payment.

Manfred D had served as Hanning's bureau chief and went on to hold the role of chief of staff to Hanning's successors until 2026, allegedly using his access throughout that entire period.

MoreFinancial TimesA very German spy scandalThe TelegraphGermany’s ex-spy chief suspected of passing secrets to Chinese generalFinancial TimesGerman spy agency under pressure from allies over ‘treason’ scandalReutersFormer German spy chief had contacts with Chinese official, Spiegel reportsGB NewsGermany's former spy chief arrested on suspicion of espionage and treason
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