Ex-German intelligence chief arrested over suspected espionage

Former German intelligence chief August Hanning is accused of obtaining classified information from a former employee of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and using it in connection with his private consultancy work.

Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office is reportedly investigating the 80-year-old former BND president on suspicion of offences including obtaining state secrets and treason-related espionage.

Hanning allegedly continued to receive confidential documents from the intelligence service for years after leaving office. His former chief of staff is suspected of supplying him with the material and has also reportedly been arrested.

According to reporting by the "Süddeutsche Zeitung", the documents included intelligence reports intended for the German Chancellery.

Investigators are also examining whether classified information was passed on to foreign powers.

The investigation reportedly emerged from information uncovered during proceedings linked to German businesswoman Christina Block and the alleged leaking of documents from the Chancellery.

The allegations are based on joint reporting involving the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" and German public broadcasters WDR and NDR.