Prosecutors Arrest Man Linked to Far-Right Politician on Suspicion of Spying for China
Image Source: CLEMENS BILAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
By Staff Writers
23 April 2024, 08:53 BST
Updated 6 minutes ago
Prosecutors have detained a man, Jian G, on grounds of suspicion of espionage for China while working for a far-right politician in Germany. The accused, identified as an assistant to AfD’s MEP Maximilian Krah, is alleged to have passed information regarding the European Parliament to Chinese intelligence, along with spying on Chinese opposition figures in Germany. The arrest of the aide draws serious concerns for the AfD, as it comes ahead of the European Parliament elections later this year.
Jian G’s arrest has raised eyebrows, considering his close connections to a high-profile political figure. AfD’s Mr. Krah, upon learning of the allegations, stated that immediate termination of employment awaits the assistant if found guilty. The accusations have led to growing anxiety within the AfD, with the party awaiting further investigations by the public prosecutor.
Timing and Political Implications
Made at a crucial junction before the European Parliament elections, the allegations cast a shadow over the AfD’s lead candidate, Mr. Krah. He emphasized the seriousness of the accusations, stating that “espionage for a foreign state is a serious accusation.” Both the Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, and Justice Minister, Marco Buschmann, conveyed grave concerns and emphasized that adequate actions must be taken if the suspicions are proven true.
Chinese Response and Relevance
China’s foreign affairs ministry dismissed the arrest allegations as an attempt “to smear and suppress China”. Spokesman Wang Wenbin criticized the recurring “Chinese spy threat theory” and emphasized its prevalence in European public opinion. Amidst China’s diplomatic response, prosecutors affirm that Jian G is scheduled to appear before an investigating judge today.
Unrelated But Similar Spying Instance
One day prior to Jian G’s detention, two men and a woman were arrested for allegedly spying for China. The three individuals arrested were suspected of gathering information on German military technology on behalf of China. Although the cases appear unrelated, they present serious concerns over foreign infiltration into German interests.
Links to European Democracy and Discussions on Facebook
German politicians emphasized that spying for a foreign state within the European Parliament posed a direct threat to European democracy. Additionally, an AfD colleague of Mr. Krah, Sylvia Limmer, expressed her grievances with him on Facebook, emphasizing their differences on issues concerning China, Russia, the USA, Israel, and women’s rights.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently returned from a visit to Beijing, during which discussions with President Xi Jinping covered various topics, including Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.
