Former German spy chief Hanning placed under formal arrest

Former BND foreign intelligence chief August Hanning, 80, who led the agency 1998-2005, was placed under formal arrest following his Tuesday detention on suspicion of treasonous espionage and attempted treason. Prosecutors say Hanning obtained classified documents through former aide Manfred D., also arrested, and used secret information to prepare an analysis for an employee of a foreign intelligence service. Manfred D. served as chief of staff to Hanning and later BND successors from 2012 to 2026.