August Hanning’s espionage dossier / Investigators have identified a possible connection to Azerbaijan

The former head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service, August Hanning, was arrested on October 6 and is being investigated on serious suspicions of espionage on behalf of a foreign power, obtaining state secrets, attempted treason, and acting as an intelligence agent.

According to information published by Der Spiegel, investigators are examining a possible connection between Hanning and an Azerbaijani intelligence officer. The former head of the BND allegedly obtained classified documents through his former chief of staff, Manfred D., and used them to draft an analysis intended for an employee of a foreign security service. It is unclear whether the document actually reached the alleged intended recipient.

Investigators claim that, until June 2022, Manfred D. supplied Hanning with approximately 2,000 documents in exchange for sums of money. These allegedly included materials prepared for the BND leadership and the German Chancellery. The two men were arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.

Hanning, 80, was also part of the leadership of the German-Azerbaijani Forum. If convicted of espionage on behalf of a foreign state, he faces between six months and ten years in prison.

Azerbaijan categorically denied any connection with the case and accused the international press of manipulation and of publishing unverified information.