Ex-BND chief August Hanning remanded in custody over espionage allegations

A judge at Germany's Federal Court of Justice has placed August Hanning, the 80-year-old former head of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), into pre-trial detention following his arrest on espionage charges. His former office manager, Manfred D., was also detained.

Federal prosecutors accuse Hanning of treasonous spying, secret agent activity, and attempted treason. Investigators allege that Hanning used his former colleague to acquire classified documents for years after leaving office, using the material for commercial purposes and drafting reports for a non-Russian foreign intelligence service.

Both men remain in custody as the investigation continues into the potential compromise of state secrets.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau