Former German Spy Chief August Hanning Arrested on Treason and Espionage Allegations

कंप्यूटर द्वारा तैयार हिंदी ऑडियो

BERLIN: Germany has arrested former foreign intelligence chief August Hanning in a case that could become one of the country’s most serious intelligence scandals in years.

Federal prosecutors said Hanning, who led the BND from 1998 to 2005, is strongly suspected of offences including treasonous espionage, spying out state secrets, attempted treason and espionage.

What prosecutors allege

Authorities allege that Hanning obtained classified material through a former aide who continued working inside the intelligence service. Investigators are examining the handling of a large cache of internal documents and whether information was provided to at least one foreign intelligence service.

German authorities have not publicly identified all foreign actors potentially involved, leaving a central part of the investigation unresolved.

Why the case is significant

A former intelligence chief would have had extensive knowledge of Germany’s security relationships, intelligence methods and sensitive foreign-policy assessments. Allegations involving the transfer of state secrets therefore carry implications far beyond an ordinary leak investigation.

The case is also likely to intensify debate in Germany over post-retirement restrictions, private consulting work and oversight of former senior intelligence officials.

Investigation continues

Hanning is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. Prosecutors are expected to focus on how the documents were obtained, who received information and whether national security was damaged.

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Source: Associated Press.