Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Former German Spy Chief Had Reported Chinese Official Ties
August Hanning used to lead Germany’s foreign intelligence service.
Der Spiegel reported that he had longstanding contacts with a former Chinese general named Wang Jianzheng and had visited China several times.
German authorities detained Hanning over suspicions that he shared information from confidential documents with foreign intelligence agents.
The suspected activity is said to have happened after he retired and worked as a security consultant.
Authorities also arrested his former chief of staff, identified as Manfred D. Prosecutors have not said what information was allegedly shared or who was supposed to receive it.
Hanning’s lawyer said he had not harmed Germany and was being wrongfully prosecuted.
The reported contacts do not establish that information was shared with Wang.
Der Spiegel reported that former German intelligence chief August Hanning had longstanding contacts with former Chinese major general Wang Jianzheng.
The magazine said Hanning travelled to China several times and that Wang had served at China’s embassy in former East Germany.
Hanning was detained on suspicion of sharing information from confidential documents with foreign intelligence agents after retiring in 2005.
German authorities also arrested Hanning’s former chief of staff, identified as Manfred D, on espionage-related allegations.
Prosecutors have not identified the allegedly shared information or its intended recipients; Hanning’s lawyer denied he harmed German interests and called the prosecution wrongful.
- Who
- Former German intelligence chief August Hanning and his former chief of staff, identified as Manfred D; Der Spiegel reported Hanning’s contacts with Wang Jianzheng.
- What
- Hanning was detained on suspicion of espionage-related offences, including sharing information from confidential documents with foreign intelligence agents.
- When
- The arrests were reported on October 9; the alleged sharing took place after Hanning retired in 2005.
- Where
- Germany; authorities made arrests in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia and searched properties in those states and Berlin.
- Why
- Authorities suspect Hanning shared information from confidential documents provided by his former chief of staff.
Authorities’ allegations
Hanning’s defense
Suspected espionage
Authorities’ allegations
Authorities detained Hanning over suspicion that he shared information from confidential documents with foreign intelligence agents and cited several espionage-related offences.
Hanning’s defense
Hanning’s lawyer denied that he harmed German interests and said he was being wrongfully prosecuted.
Reported Chinese contacts
Authorities’ allegations
Der Spiegel reported Hanning had longstanding contacts with Wang Jianzheng and travelled to China several times, amid the espionage investigation.
Hanning’s defense
The articles report no response from Hanning’s lawyer specifically addressing the reported contacts, and prosecutors have not identified the alleged recipients of information.
- Former BND chief
- August Hanning led the Federal Intelligence Service from December 1998 to November 2005.
- Reported Chinese contact
- Wang Jianzheng, a former major general who had served at China’s embassy in former East Germany.
- Hanning’s post-retirement work
- He worked as an independent security consultant.
- Other person arrested
- Hanning’s former chief of staff, identified as Manfred D.
- Allegations against Hanning
- The Federal Prosecutor’s Office cited strong suspicion of treasonous espionage, spying on state secrets, attempted treason and espionage.
- Allegations against Manfred D
- He is accused of aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage.
- Prosecutors’ disclosure
- They have not identified the material allegedly shared or its intended recipients.
- Hanning’s response
- His lawyer denied that he harmed German interests and said he was being wrongfully prosecuted.
