A former aide to a lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison on March 26, 2024, for espionage activities on behalf of Chinese intelligence. The individual, identified only as Jian G due to Germany’s privacy laws, was employed by Maximilian Krah, a controversial figure within the AfD, from 2019 until 2024 at the European Parliament.
The Dresden Higher Regional Court found Jian G guilty of gathering intelligence and confidential documents, which he subsequently passed to Chinese contacts. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that he not only collected information on prominent AfD lawmakers but also conducted surveillance on Chinese dissidents. Following the verdict, Krah expressed his lack of surprise, stating, “I took the necessary steps immediately after the arrest and significantly increased security in my office,” describing himself as a “victim” in this case.
During the trial, Jian G maintained his innocence, asserting, “I did not work for a Chinese secret service and I am innocent.” His defense attorney argued for acquittal, citing insufficient evidence, while prosecutors sought a prison term of seven and a half years for his actions.
In a related case, Yaqi X, a co-defendant who worked for a logistics service provider at Leipzig Airport, received a suspended sentence of one year and nine months. She admitted to providing Jian G with data about flights, freight, and passengers, particularly concerning the transportation of defense goods. Yaqi X claimed she believed Jian G was fostering relations between China and Germany in his capacity as an aide and was unaware of his connection to Chinese intelligence.
Krah’s Legal Troubles Continue
Krah is currently under investigation for separate allegations including bribery connected to China and money laundering during his tenure at the European Parliament. Although he has denied these accusations, German police conducted searches of his offices earlier this month following the lifting of his parliamentary immunity.
Krah’s political career has been marked by controversy. He was the AfD’s leading candidate in the 2023 European Parliament elections, but his campaign faced multiple scandals. Notably, the AfD expelled him from its delegation after he made inflammatory comments defending members of the Nazi SS paramilitary in an interview with an Italian newspaper. Despite this upheaval, he was elected to the Bundestag earlier this year.
The implications of these convictions extend beyond individual accountability, raising significant concerns about national security and the potential infiltration of foreign intelligence within European political institutions. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by lawmakers in maintaining the integrity of parliamentary processes in the face of external pressures.