Ex-German spy chief detained on suspicion of espionage and treason – report

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Germany’s former foreign intelligence chief has been detained on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, Bild newspaper is reporting.

The newspaper said that prosecutors allege August Hanning, whose tenure ended in 2005, bought secret information from a former employee of the foreign intelligence agency BND and intended to sell it on as part of his consulting activities.

The BND and the office of Germany's federal prosecutor did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Bild said that the investigation was launched after the discovery of an alleged leak of intelligence reports intended for the chancellery.