Germany's former intelligence chief August Hanning taken into custody

August Hanning: August Hanning is a former president of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), having led the agency from late 1998 to late 2005. He later held positions including state secretary in the Federal Interior Ministry and worked as a private security advisor. Hanning was taken into custody on October 6, 2026, as part of a federal investigation into allegations of treasonous espionage, spying on state secrets, attempted treason, and espionage activities. Investigation Scope: The Federal Prosecutor's Office is conducting the probe in coordination with the Federal Intelligence Service and Federal Criminal Police Office. Related Proceedings: The current case originated from a prior 2025 search of Hanning's premises connected to a separate investigation.