Germany arrests ex-spy chief over foreign secrets leak

Former German spy chief August Hanning was arrested on Tuesday, accused of espionage, treason, and working for foreign intelligence agencies. Hanning, who led the country's BND foreign intelligence agency from 1998 to 2005, allegedly passed sensitive information to foreign powers, an embarrassing case amid efforts to strengthen German intelligence.

His former chief of staff, Manfred D., was also arrested on suspicion of aiding treason. Prosecutors did not specify which foreign nations were involved, but sources suggest the information was not linked to Russia. Hanning allegedly used the stolen information in his private consultancy and to prepare briefings for foreign agents.

The scandal follows the government's recent approval of a major overhaul of intelligence agencies, granting them broader covert operation powers. If convicted, Hanning faces a maximum prison sentence of life in Germany. The current BND director, Martin Jaeger, has stated that the agency conducted extensive internal investigations into the case before federal prosecutors took over.

The incident, described as "grave and deeply disturbing," has not affected Jaeger's commitment to internal security. The allegations come amid concern over potential damage from former senior civil servants' dubious lobbying activities.