Former BND chief August Hanning detained over alleged illegal use of classified data in Swiss security firms
August Hanning, ex-head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service, was arrested and placed in pre-trial detention on suspicion of illegally obtaining BND information and exploiting it for commercial purposes with Swiss security companies.
German authorities have detained former BND president August Hanning on charges of illicitly obtaining classified intelligence and leveraging it for profit with two Swiss security companies. After retiring in 2009, Hanning joined the supervisory boards of System 360 AG in 2016 and Pluteos AG in 2018, the latter still listing him as chairman. He was arrested at his home in Nordwalde and has been held in investigative custody since Wednesday.
Prosecutors allege a range of offenses, including espionage-related spying and attempted treason. In a separate inquiry, Hamburg prosecutors are examining whether Hanning and a business partner plotted to kidnap children linked to the Christina Block case, though Hanning is currently only a witness and has refused to testify. Both Swiss firms have issued statements distancing themselves from the investigation and claim no involvement in the alleged wrongdoing.
Why it matters
The case raises concerns about former intelligence officials exploiting state secrets for private gain and the security implications for international cooperation.
How this story developed
- Oct 6 Former BND chief August Hanning detained over alleged secret document theft
- Oct 6 Arrests were carried out in Bad Tölz‑Wolfratshausen and Steinfurt.
- Oct 7 He was arrested in Steinfurt.
- Oct 7 Reports indicate a possible connection between the alleged espionage and Azerbaijan.
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