Ex-German spy chief detained for espionage, treason: Bild
Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning has been detained on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, Bild newspaper reported on Tuesday. Prosecutors allege Hanning bought secret information from a former BND employee and intended to sell it on as part of his consulting activities.
BERLIN, Oct 6 (Reuters) — Former German foreign intelligence chief August Hanning has been detained on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, Bild newspaper reported on Tuesday. Bild said prosecutors allege Hanning, whose tenure ended in 2005, bought secret information from a former employee of the foreign intelligence agency BND and planned to resell it as part of his consulting work. The BND and Germany's federal prosecutor's office did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Bild said the investigation began after the discovery of an alleged leak of intelligence reports intended for the chancellery.