Berlin:An investigation into August Hanning, the former head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), is not connected to Azerbaijan, according to informed sources.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, German intelligence authorities have communicated to Azerbaijani officials that the inquiry involves other nations instead. This contradicts earlier reports by German news magazine Der Spiegel and international media linking Azerbaijan to the investigation.

German federal prosecutors have stated that Hanning, who led the BND from 1998 to 2005, was arrested on October 6 on charges including treasonous espionage, obtaining state secrets, and attempted treason. Additionally, Manfred D., Hanning's former chief of staff, has also been detained.

Federal authorities have acknowledged that the investigation pertains to interactions with foreign intelligence but have not disclosed any specific foreign service or government involved.

Sources indicated that the classified documents Hanning allegedly acquired were used for analytical assessments rather than being transmitted to third parties. Prosecutors noted that they have not confirmed whether an analysis meant for a foreign intelligence contact was delivered to its intended recipient. It is also alleged that Hanning shared political information with a representative of another foreign intelligence service.

Azerbaijan's Media and Broadcasting Council has denounced reports linking Baku to the investigation, labeling them as disinformation and manipulation. The council described the allegations as unsubstantiated and part of a larger campaign against Azerbaijan.