Former German Foreign Intelligence Chief Reportedly Arrested on Espionage Suspicions

German authorities reportedly arrested August Hanning, the former head of the country’s foreign intelligence service, on Tuesday on suspicion of espionage and treason.

Hanning, 80, is suspected of offences involving state secrets. The allegations have not been established in court.

The case is described as one of the most serious involving the suspected disclosure of state secrets to confront the intelligence service in recent years.

The information provided does not identify the secrets allegedly involved, any suspected recipient or the evidence underpinning the arrest. It also includes no response from Hanning.