The German Federal Prosecutor's Office stated that August Hanning, 80, former head of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005, was arrested on Tuesday, facing serious allegations of treason, espionage, attempted treason, and espionage, with substantial evidence indicating his involvement. Manfred D., Hanning’s former chief of staff, was also taken into custody on the same day and charged with aiding and abetting attempted treason and treason-related espionage. Manfred D. had served as chief of staff for several subsequent BND directors between 2012 and 2026. According to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the two suspects are believed to have entered into an agreement in 2010, under which Manfred D. systematically transmitted BND intelligence to Hanning in exchange for compensation. Hanning reportedly used this information in private consulting activities, including once preparing an analytical report for a foreign intelligence official based on confidential data provided by Manfred D. The office has not disclosed the identity of the foreign entity or entities, if any, to which the suspects may have been providing intelligence.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1878363048930377/
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