Four Men and Married Couple Accused of Spying for China in Denmark's Neighboring Countries

Four men and a married couple have been accused of spying for China in Denmark's neighboring countries, aligning with a warning from the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET). The allegations include a German national, Jian G., who is accused of sharing European Parliament information with a Chinese intelligence service and spying on Chinese opposition figures in Germany.

Jian G., an aide to a German far-right member of the European Parliament, was arrested amid concerns about foreign interference ahead of the upcoming European elections in June. The German Interior Minister has called the allegations "very serious" and demanded a thorough examination. The far-right AfD party, which the aide is associated with, has summoned the MEP to Berlin and promised a statement on the matter.

The arrests come as part of a broader crackdown on suspected Chinese espionage activities in Germany and the UK. Three German nationals were arrested on suspicion of spying for China by providing access to secret maritime technology, and two men in Britain were charged with passing information to China between 2021 and last year.

Why this matters: These cases highlight the growing concerns about potential foreign meddling and disinformation in European politics, particularly ahead of key elections. The involvement of a far-right political party aide also raises questions about the vulnerability of fringe political groups to foreign influence.

The allegations have further plunged the German far-right AfD party into turmoil, as one of its members, Maximilian Krah, was also named in the case. Krah, the AfD's top candidate for the upcoming European elections, has said he will dismiss Guo and refocus the election campaign on European issues. However, the party leadership has distanced itself from the scandal, removing Krah from campaign materials and events.

Experts say the scandals could have a profound effect on the AfD's chances in this year's elections, as the party already faces criticism for having Russia-friendly positions. The spying claims come on top of other recent allegations against the AfD, including links to Russia, which have contributed to a decline in the party's backing.

The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) had previously warned about potential spying activities by China in Denmark's neighboring countries. The current instances, spanning Germany and the UK, appear to align with those concerns. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the alleged espionage activities and their potential impact on European politics and security.

Key Takeaways

• 4 men and a couple accused of spying for China in Denmark's neighbors
• German aide to far-right MEP arrested for sharing EU info with China
• Broader crackdown on suspected Chinese espionage in Germany, UK
• Scandal plunges German far-right AfD party into turmoil ahead of EU elections
• Authorities investigating extent of alleged espionage and impact on EU politics