Germany's former spy chief, August Hanning, was arrested on Tuesday for alleged treason, with Berlin accusing him of gathering sensitive documents for a foreign spy service.

"Hanning is strongly ⁠suspected of treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets, attempted treason and espionage," German prosecutors said in a statement, according to Reuters.

Hanning previously served as president of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND).

The case is reportedly not linked to Russia and the country on whose behalf Hanning allegedly acted remains unclear.

His arrest marks a major scandal for the German state, with prosecutors alleging that Hanning's espionage occurred over multiple years and involved more than 2,000 documents.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.