Man Linked to Far-Right Politician Arrested for Alleged Chinese Espionage
Authorities have apprehended a 43-year-old individual identified as Jian G, reportedly associated with AfD MEP Maximilian Krah, on suspicion of espionage for China. The arrest, made in Dresden, involves accusations of divulging European Parliament information to Chinese intelligence and surveilling Chinese dissidents in Germany.
Krah, disavowing any prior knowledge, stated that if the allegations prove true, immediate termination of Jian G’s employment would follow, emphasizing the gravity of espionage charges. The AfD party expressed concern over the incident and awaited further clarification from prosecutors.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser underscored the severity of the allegations, highlighting their potential impact on European democracy if confirmed. However, China’s foreign affairs ministry dismissed the arrest as an attempt to discredit the nation.
Although prosecutors refrained from explicitly naming Krah, Jian G had reportedly worked for a European Parliament member since 2019. Scheduled to appear before a judge, his detention follows separate arrests related to alleged Chinese espionage involving military technology acquisition in Germany. These cases are believed to be unrelated.
In a separate incident, a suspect is accused of operating a front company to procure military-related technologies for China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS). Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to Beijing, focusing on various issues including the conflict in Ukraine, adds further context to Germany’s stance on espionage activities.