Hanning, 80, headed Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, the BND, from 1998 to 2005. German federal prosecutors say he is suspected of obtaining classified information and using material derived from it in contacts with a foreign intelligence official.
According to Der Spiegel, investigators believe the foreign intelligence officer involved was Azerbaijani. Hanning allegedly obtained classified BND documents from his former associate Manfred D. and used the information to prepare a written intelligence analysis intended for the Azerbaijani officer. Whether the analysis ultimately reached its intended recipient remains under investigation.
Hanning is also known to have maintained connections with Azerbaijan. He previously served on the board of the German-Azerbaijani Forum, an organization promoting relations between the two countries.
The forum has previously drawn scrutiny over its links to German politicians and Azerbaijan’s lobbying network. Several former German lawmakers have faced investigations or legal proceedings over allegations involving Azerbaijani money and political influence in Europe.
Former Bundestag members Eduard Lintner and Axel Fischer have faced bribery proceedings over alleged payments linked to Azerbaijan, while former MP Karin Strenz was previously found to have violated Council of Europe rules over undisclosed conflicts of interest connected to Azerbaijan.
German authorities arrested both Hanning and Manfred D. on October 6. Prosecutors are investigating Hanning on suspicion of treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets, attempted treason and acting as an agent for a foreign intelligence service.
German federal prosecutors have not publicly identified the foreign state involved, but Der Spiegel reports, citing investigators, that the suspected intelligence contact was Azerbaijani.
Hanning’s lawyer has declined to comment publicly on the allegations concerning Azerbaijan.