Former German intelligence chief August Hanning has been detained in a German espionage and treason investigation involving allegations that he sought assistance from former Israeli intelligence officials in the alleged abduction of two children from Denmark.
Hanning, who previously headed Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), is accused of espionage, investigating state secrets, attempted treason and treason.
The investigation has revived allegations of links between Hanning and former senior officials from Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet.
Alleged Israeli intelligence connections
The case centers in part on the alleged abduction of two children who were living with their father, Stefan Hansel, in Denmark. The children were allegedly forced into a car on New Year’s Eve in 2024 and taken to Germany to their mother, German entrepreneur Christina Block.
Hansel’s September 2025 testimony has resurfaced as part of the investigation. According to Israeli outlet Ynet, Hansel told investigators that Hanning had approached former Mossad director Danny Yatom in connection with the alleged operation.
Yatom acknowledged knowing Hanning but denied any involvement in the case.
German prosecutors have also alleged links to former Shin Bet chief Yaakov Peri. Hanning is accused of contacting Peri, who was then involved with an Israeli private intelligence and security company, and requesting the formation of an Israeli team to carry out the alleged abduction.
Peri’s company has denied the allegations.
Investigation escalates into espionage probe
Hamburg prosecutors searched Hanning’s home in September 2025 as part of an investigation into Block and other suspects, reportedly seizing documents and other evidence.
After investigators examined the material, the case was transferred earlier this year to Germany’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, which handles major espionage and treason investigations.
Hanning has worked as an international security consultant and has maintained professional relationships in Israel, according to German media reports.
He had already faced allegations in the Hamburg case over involvement in the alleged attempt to abduct Block’s children.
The latest investigation significantly broadens the case, bringing allegations of espionage and treason alongside the disputed claims involving Israeli intelligence figures.
