It was on Tuesday that 80-year-old Hanning and his former chief of staff, identified only as "Manfred D", were arrested.
Hanning headed the BND from 1998 to 2005. “Manfred D” remained with the organization until March 2026 and is accused of selling around 2,000 classified files to his former boss. Hanning is in turn suspected of using the information in his private consulting business.
According to the BND, Hanning is "strongly suspected of treasonous espionage activities, disclosure of state secrets, attempted treason and espionage". Prosecutors say secrets may have been passed on to intelligence services in two countries, but have not identified them.
Hanning denies the most serious allegations through his lawyer.
