Hanning’s gambling role adds a new branch to the investigation of his private business

Former German intelligence chief August Hanning is listed as chairman of Nevada Gaming Holding, CORRECTIV reports. The US company, led by investor Arnulf Damerau, says it acquired a majority stake in Ukrainian online casino Cosmolot in October 2024.

The disclosure follows Hanning’s arrest on suspicion of espionage. Damerau previously disputed alleged tax evasion with Ukrainian authorities and accused officials of corruption. These are contested allegations, not findings established by this article.

CORRECTIV leaves central questions open: when Hanning took the position, what he did, whether he was paid and whether he used his influence for the casino. It provides no proof that intelligence material reached the company. Hanning’s lawyer denies the allegations in the espionage investigation.

Identifying a relationship is different from proving misconduct through it. The chairmanship supplies another line of inquiry into former officials’ commercial use of expertise and connections; it does not establish an intelligence operation.