Former AfD Aide Sentenced to Nearly Five Years for Spying

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 on behalf of Chinese intelligence. The ruling was issued by the Dresden Higher Regional Court on March 15, 2024, after the defendant, identified as Jian G, was found guilty of gathering sensitive information and passing it to Chinese contacts while working at the European Parliament.

Jian G served as an aide to AfD politician Maximilian Krah from 2019 until 2024. During his tenure, he collected confidential documents and intelligence, targeting both leading AfD lawmakers and Chinese dissidents. Krah, who currently represents the AfD in the German Bundestag, expressed little surprise at the court’s decision. “I took the necessary steps immediately after the arrest and significantly increased security in my office,” he stated, characterizing himself as a “victim” in this matter.

Throughout the trial, Jian G maintained his innocence, asserting, “I did not work for a Chinese secret service.” His legal representative argued for acquittal based on insufficient evidence, contrasting with prosecutors’ request for a prison term of seven and a half years.

Co-Defendant Receives Suspended Sentence

In addition to Jian G, a co-defendant named Yaqi X received a suspended sentence of one year and nine months. Yaqi X, who was employed by a logistics provider at Leipzig Airport, had reportedly shared data on flights, freight, and passengers with Jian G, particularly concerning the transport of defense goods. She acknowledged passing information to Jian G, believing he was fostering relations between China and Germany through his role in the European Parliament. However, she claimed to have been unaware of his activities as an agent for Chinese intelligence.

Krah’s controversial political history complicates the situation further. He is currently under investigation for separate allegations of bribery linked to China and money laundering during his time in the European Parliament. Krah has denied these accusations, but his offices were searched by German police following a parliamentary vote to lift his immunity.

Krah previously served as the AfD’s leading candidate in the 2023 European Parliament elections, a campaign marred by scandal. His comments defending members of the Nazi SS paramilitary in a media interview led to the party’s expulsion from the right-wing Identity and Democracy (ID) group in Brussels. Following these events, the AfD removed Krah from its delegation to the European Parliament, although he was recently elected to the Bundestag.

The case has raised serious questions about security within the European Parliament and the potential for foreign interference in German politics. The outcome serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by espionage and the necessity for vigilance in safeguarding sensitive information.