BERLIN – A former aide to a far-right German lawmaker has been formally charged with espionage on behalf of the Chinese secret service, in a case that’s rattled Berlin’s political circles and raised serious national security concerns.
Assistant Accused of Deep Espionage Ties
Identified as Jian G., the aide previously worked under Maximilian Krah, a prominent member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Krah, who recently moved from the European Parliament to Germany’s Bundestag, employed Jian G. from 2019 until his arrest in 2024.
German federal prosecutors allege that Jian G. handed over more than 500 documents to Chinese intelligence, including several marked as highly sensitive. His espionage activities reportedly date back to 2002, when he is said to have first been recruited by Beijing’s secret service.
The charges extend beyond document leaks. Jian G. is also suspected of:
- Spying on senior AfD figures
- Infiltrating Chinese dissident circles in Germany by pretending to oppose the Chinese regime online
- Compiling intelligence on Chinese opposition activists
A spokesperson from the AfD confirmed the party remains uncertain about the extent of the information compromised by their former employee.
Krah Denies Knowledge
Krah has distanced himself from the scandal, claiming ignorance of his aide’s covert activities. “I was obviously deceived,” he told the news media, admitting he would need to be “more careful” about future hires. He is not currently listed as a suspect in the espionage investigation.
Documents Found Detailing AfD Power Structure
A Spiegel investigation uncovered that German authorities found Chinese-language documents in Jian G.’s office. These included analytical profiles on AfD leadership, detailing their roles, influence, and standing within the party.
This discovery suggests the Chinese government may have had a strategic interest in the inner workings of the far-right group, which has grown in popularity across parts of Germany.
Second Suspect Arrested
Prosecutors have also charged a second individual, Yaqi X., believed to be an accomplice to Jian G. She was arrested in October 2024.
Employed by a logistics firm operating at Leipzig/Halle Airport, Yaqi X. allegedly passed on confidential details about military transport movements and individuals associated with a German arms manufacturer. Both Jian G. and Yaqi X. remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
Although not implicated directly in the spying scandal, Krah is under preliminary investigation by the Dresden public prosecutor’s office. Authorities are looking into alleged financial ties to Russia and China, including reported payments during his time in the European Parliament. Krah denies any wrongdoing.
The unfolding scandal is a fresh blow to Germany’s AfD, already facing intense scrutiny over its ties abroad and influence at home. As espionage fears rise and Beijing’s overseas intelligence networks come under greater examination, this case may mark a significant turning point in Germany’s national security posture—and its relationship with China.
