UK Intelligence Agencies Review Data Sharing After German Spy Arrest
MI6 and GCHQ are conducting internal reviews amid fears that sensitive information shared with European allies could have been compromised following the arrest of a former German intelligence chief.
MI6 and GCHQ are undertaking a comprehensive internal review of sensitive information previously shared with European allies, following the arrest of August Hanning, the former head of Germany’s BND intelligence agency. The review aims to safeguard sources who may be at risk due to alleged leaks of state secrets.
Hanning, who led Germany's foreign intelligence service from 1998 to 2005, was arrested on charges including "attempted treason" and "espionage." Prosecutors allege that Hanning received approximately 2,000 classified documents from a former chief of staff, Manfred D., who reportedly continued to access confidential information between 2012 and 2026. These documents were allegedly used by Hanning to draft an analysis for a foreign intelligence service.
The prosecutor's office stated that Hanning is strongly suspected of treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets, attempted treason, and espionage. It remains unclear if the material reached its intended recipient.
The allegations mark a significant intelligence scandal in Germany, potentially impacting Western security cooperation. Reports suggest a possible connection to Azerbaijan, with Hanning reportedly in contact with an agent from the country.
Manfred D., Hanning's former chief of staff, was also arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage. Searches are underway at premises linked to both men in several locations, including Berlin.
German prosecutors indicated that Hanning also passed political information, partly based on material from Manfred D., to a representative of another foreign intelligence service over several years. The specific foreign intelligence service involved has not been identified.