Czech Authorities Uncover Alleged Russian Funding of AfD Politician Petr Bystron

Czech authorities have obtained video footage showing AfD politician Petr Bystron receiving packages from Artem Martschewskyj, the alleged operator of the pro-Russian propaganda website "Voice of Europe." Further evidence suggests that Bystron received funds from Moscow-aligned channels, raising concerns about potential Russian influence and disinformation efforts targeting German politics.

According to a joint investigation by German and Czech media, the Czech domestic secret service has presented evidence, including intercepted conversations and surveillance material from the Prague offices of "Voice of Europe," that implicates Bystron. The video recordings show Bystron accepting packages from Martschewskyj, and there are audio recordings that suggest Bystron received funds in these packages.

Bystron, a member of the German Bundestag from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has rejected the new allegations, calling them an attempt to keep the campaign against the AfD in the media until the EU elections. He has previously commented on the "Voice of Europe" case and the alleged transfer of funds but says there is no reason to repeat these statements.

The investigation found that the "Voice of Europe" network channeled several hundred thousand euros to six EU countries, including Germany, partly in cash and partly in cryptocurrency. Bystron and another AfD member, Maximilian Krah, were found to have published content on the "Voice of Europe" website, echoing Kremlin propaganda.

Why this matters: The exposure of alleged Russian funding of a German politician through a pro-Russian propaganda network raises significant concerns about foreign interference in European politics. It underscores the need for heightened vigilance and robust measures to counter disinformation campaigns and protect the integrity of democratic processes.

The Czech Republic's uncovering of the network used by Russia to funnel cash to politicians across the EU, including populists and nationalists in Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Hungary, has spurred intelligence agencies across the EU into action. The revelations threaten to send shockwaves through Czech politics and society, potentially benefiting anti-establishment and populist forces in the upcoming EU elections.

As the investigation continues, authorities in Belgium and the Czech Republic are investigating the AfD's ranks on suspicion of Russian bribery of MEPs. Bystron's alleged involvement in accepting funds from Moscow-aligned channels raises serious questions about the extent of Russian influence within the AfD and its potential impact on German politics.

Key Takeaways

• Czech authorities obtained video of AfD politician Petr Bystron receiving packages from pro-Russian propaganda site operator.
• Evidence suggests Bystron received funds from Moscow-aligned channels, raising concerns about Russian influence in German politics.
• The "Voice of Europe" network channeled hundreds of thousands of euros to EU politicians, including Bystron and another AfD member.
• The exposure of alleged Russian funding of a German politician threatens to impact upcoming EU elections and Czech politics.
• Authorities are investigating the AfD on suspicion of Russian bribery of MEPs, raising questions about Russian influence within the party.