Germany's former spy chief August Hanning is suspected of passing secrets to Russia after arrest on espionage charges

From the Newshound archive · first published 9 October 2026 · last updated 10 October 2026.

August Hanning, who led Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005, was taken into custody this week on espionage charges, with prosecutors alleging he passed classified material to foreign intelligence services following his retirement as a security consultant. Investigators believe the confidential documents reached him via his former chief of staff. His lawyer rejects any suggestion that he harmed German interests and argues the prosecution is without foundation.

Hanning is also reported to have maintained longstanding contacts with former Chinese major general Wang Jianzheng, who once served at Beijing's embassy in East Germany.

Wang is described as a Germany expert who translated German books into Chinese — though his contact with Hanning does not in itself prove secrets were handed to China.