German Far-Right Lawmaker's Aide Arrested on Suspicion of Spying for China

A German national who works as an aide to a prominent far-right member of the European Parliament has been arrested on suspicion of spying for China, prosecutors said on Tuesday. The man, identified only as Jian G., is accused of working for a Chinese intelligence service and repeatedly passing on information about negotiations and decisions in the European Parliament since 2019.

The arrest of the 43-year-old, who has dual German and Chinese citizenship, came less than 24 hours after three other people were arrested in a separate case, also on suspicion of spying for China. "The spying allegations are extremely serious," said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. "If it is confirmed that there was spying for Chinese intelligence from inside the European Parliament, then that is an attack from inside on European democracy."

Jian G. worked as an assistant to Maximilian Krah, a member of the European Parliament for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The AfD has been criticized for its Russia-friendly positions, and the case has raised uncomfortable questions for the party. "The news about the arrest of an employee of our MEP Maximilian Krah is very disturbing," said AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla. "We will sit down with Mr. Krah in the next few days to discuss the matter."

Prosecutors allege that Jian G. shared information about the European Parliament's negotiations and decisions with a Chinese intelligence service, and also spied on Chinese opposition members living in Germany. The European Parliament has suspended Jian G. with immediate effect.

Why this matters: The case highlights growing concerns about foreign interference and espionage ahead of the upcoming European Union elections in June. It also deals a blow to the AfD party, which has been embroiled in a series of scandals, including allegations of links to Russia.

German authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the spying allegations. "Anyone who employs such a staff member also carries responsibility," said Interior Minister Faeser, referring to the AfD. The Chinese Foreign Ministry dismissed the accusations, claiming they are intended to "slander and suppress China." The series of arrests comes shortly after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to China, during which he urged Beijing to use its influence on Russia to stop the war in Ukraine.

Key Takeaways

• German national arrested on suspicion of spying for China as aide to far-right EU MP
• Allegations of sharing EU Parliament info with Chinese intelligence since 2019
• Arrest comes after 3 others arrested in separate case for suspected China espionage
• Raises questions about far-right AfD party's Russia-friendly positions
• Highlights concerns about foreign interference ahead of EU elections in June