German MEP's Aide Arrested on Suspicion of Spying for China

German authorities have arrested an aide to a high-ranking, far-right member of the European Parliament on suspicion of spying for China. The aide, identified as Jian G., worked for AfD MEP Maximilian Krah and was arrested by Saxony State criminal police in Dresden on April 22, 2024.

Prosecutors allege that Jian G. passed on information about "negotiations and decisions in the European Parliament" to China in January 2024. He is also accused of spying on Chinese opposition figures in Germany for Chinese intelligence services.

The arrest is the latest in a number of comparable arrests in Europe linked to alleged Chinese espionage. Just a day earlier, three German nationals were arrested on suspicion of violating the Foreign Trade and Payments Act on behalf of China.

Why this matters: The case highlights growing concerns about foreign interference and the security of European political institutions. It also underscores the need for vigilance and robust measures to protect the integrity of the democratic process in the European Union, especially ahead of the upcoming EU elections in June 2024.

Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described the alleged espionage as "an attack on European democracy from within" and said the inquiry would be exhaustive. She criticized the AfD lawmaker for employing such a person, stating that "whoever employs such a person is responsible."

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which employed Jian G. as an assistant, said the news of the arrest was "very disturbing" and that the party would back the investigation. AfD has summoned MEP Maximilian Krah to Berlin and promised a statement on the allegations.

China has reacted angrily to the arrests, dismissing the allegations as an attempt to "discredit and suppress China." However, German officials maintain that if confirmed, the alleged espionage would represent a grave attack on European democracy. The investigation into the case is ongoing, with Jian G. set to appear before a judge to determine if he will face pre-trial detention.

Key Takeaways

• German authorities arrested an aide to a far-right EU Parliament member on spying charges for China.
• The aide is accused of passing information about EU Parliament negotiations and decisions to China.
• This is the latest in a series of arrests in Europe linked to alleged Chinese espionage activities.
• The case highlights concerns about foreign interference in European political institutions and the democratic process.
• China has reacted angrily, dismissing the allegations as an attempt to "discredit and suppress China."