# German court orders pre-trial detention for former intelligence chief accused of espionage

https://mins.news/en/item/90109

- The Guardian, 2026-10-07 17:03 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/07/germany-court-august-hanning-spying-arrest-detention-bnd

> A judge ordered former German intelligence chief August Hanning held in pre-trial detention, a day after his arrest on suspicion of treason and spying for a foreign intelligence agency. Prosecutors allege he bought secret documents from a former colleague and used them to advise a foreign service. Hanning’s lawyer denied that he passed on information to Germany’s detriment or did so for payment.

## Related coverage

- [What is known about espionage and treason allegations against Germany’s ex-spy chief](https://mins.news/en/item/89782) — France 24, 2026-10-07
- [Germany: Ex-spy chief sent to pretrial detention on treason charges](https://mins.news/en/item/89560) — DW, 2026-10-07
- [Germany’s ex-spy chief arrested on suspicion of trading state secrets and treason](https://mins.news/en/video/88365) — The Associated Press, 2026-10-06
