Former German intelligence chief August Hanning remanded in custody over espionage charges

A judge at Germany's Federal Court of Justice has ordered pre-trial detention for August Hanning, the 80-year-old former head of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND). Hanning's former office manager, Manfred D., was also detained as part of the investigation.

Federal prosecutors allege that Hanning engaged in treasonous espionage, secret agent activity, and attempted treason. Investigators suspect that Hanning relied on his former colleague over a multi-year period to obtain classified state secrets after leaving office. The material was allegedly used for commercial gain and to compile analytical reports for a non-Russian foreign intelligence agency.

Both suspects remain in custody while authorities assess the full extent of the security breach.

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