Former German intelligence chief arrested on suspicion of espionage

August Hanning once led Germany’s foreign intelligence service.

Prosecutors say he received about 2,000 secret documents from a former aide and used some of the information in private work.

Hanning’s lawyer says he had confidential documents but denies he passed information on in a way that harmed Germany or took payment.

The case matters because it could affect trust in Germany’s intelligence service as the country considers giving it more powers.