August Hanning, who once led Germany's foreign intelligence service, was arrested on October 6, 2026, on suspicion of espionage and treason, the Financial Times and BBC News reported.
Hanning is accused of obtaining classified information and transferring state secrets to a foreign power, according to the BBC. The Financial Times also reported that state secrets are alleged to have been passed to a foreign power, though neither outlet identified which country is involved.
No charges have been publicly confirmed, the two outlets said.