August Hanning, who led Germany’s foreign intelligence service, the BND, from 1998 to 2005, has been arrested on suspicion of passing classified state secrets to a foreign intelligence service.

Prosecutors allege that Hanning and a former aide shared sensitive information in multiple cases, with investigators examining possible links to foreign intelligence actors.

The arrests come as German officials warn of growing espionage and security threats, placing renewed focus on intelligence operations, counterintelligence, and national security in Europe.