In a stunning development that has rocked German politics, federal prosecutors have confirmed the arrest of a former aide to far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) lawmaker Maximilian Krah on charges of spying for Chinese intelligence.
Espionage Allegations Shake European Parliament
The suspect, identified only as Jian G under Germany's privacy laws, served as Krah's parliamentary assistant between 2019 and November 2023. According to prosecutors, the individual is accused of working for China's Ministry of State Security while occupying a sensitive position within the European political establishment.
The arrest comes at a particularly sensitive time for German-Chinese relations and raises serious questions about security protocols surrounding elected officials with access to classified information.
Deepening Ties Under Scrutiny
Maximilian Krah, who led the AfD's ticket in recent European elections, has faced mounting scrutiny over his connections to China. The lawmaker has previously admitted to employing Guo Jian, a Chinese-German citizen later revealed to have worked for China's primary intelligence agency.
Prosecutors allege the arrested aide engaged in intelligence activities directed against European institutions and operated within an espionage network targeting Germany. The case represents one of the most significant Chinese spying allegations to emerge from within the European political system in recent years.
Political Fallout and Security Concerns
The revelation has sent shockwaves through German political circles, with opposition parties demanding urgent answers about security vetting procedures for parliamentary staff. The timing is particularly damaging for the AfD, which has sought to position itself as a defender of German interests.
German authorities have been increasingly vocal about Chinese espionage activities, with several high-profile cases emerging in recent months. This latest incident suggests intelligence operations have penetrated deeper into the political mainstream than previously understood.
As the investigation continues, European security services face mounting pressure to review protection measures for elected officials and their staff, particularly those with access to sensitive parliamentary information and international diplomacy.
