A former aide to a lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for espionage activities linked to Chinese intelligence. The defendant, identified as Jian G in accordance with German privacy laws, was found guilty by the Dresden Higher Regional Court for collecting confidential documents and intelligence while serving in the European Parliament between 2019 and 2024.
The court determined that Jian G had not only gathered sensitive information about leading members of the AfD but had also spied on Chinese dissidents. His employer, Maximilian Krah, a prominent AfD figure who currently serves in the German Bundestag, expressed his lack of surprise at the verdict. Krah stated, “I took the necessary steps immediately after the arrest and significantly increased security in my office,” positioning himself as a victim in the unfolding case.
Jian G maintained his innocence during the proceedings, 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 sentence of seven and a half years.
A co-defendant, Yaqi X, received a suspended sentence of one year and nine months. She had worked for a logistics service provider at Leipzig Airport and was accused of supplying Jian G with data on flights and freight, particularly concerning the transport of defense goods. Yaqi admitted to sharing information with Jian G, believing he was involved in fostering China-Germany relations through his parliamentary role, but claimed ignorance of any espionage activities.
Separate Investigations into Krah
Krah’s legal troubles extend beyond Jian G’s case. He is currently under investigation for alleged bribery linked to China and money laundering during his tenure in the European Parliament. Krah has denied these accusations, but his offices were recently raided by German police following a vote to remove his parliamentary immunity.
Despite being the AfD’s leading candidate in the previous European Parliament elections, Krah’s campaign was marred by controversy. His remarks defending members of the Nazi SS led to the AfD’s expulsion from the right-wing Identity and Democracy (ID) group in Brussels. Consequently, he was removed from the party’s European Parliament delegation but successfully secured a seat in the Bundestag earlier this year.
The implications of Jian G’s conviction and Krah’s ongoing investigations highlight significant concerns regarding national security and foreign influence within German politics. As these cases unfold, they underscore the delicate balance between political engagement and the risks posed by espionage activities.
