Arrest warrant issued for AfD staffer Jian G. on suspicion of spying for China

Jian G., staff member of AfD European Parliament candidate Maximilian Krah, was taken into custody on April 22, 2024, on charges of espionage for the Chinese intelligence service. A federal judge approved the arrest warrant in Karlsruhe, Germany. Jian G. allegedly passed sensitive information from the EU Parliament and spied on Chinese dissidents in Germany. Since 2019, he had been working in Krah's office. The Saxony State Criminal Police detained him in Dresden and conducted searches of his apartments. Krah stated he is not personally implicated and will dismiss Jian G. The case has cast a shadow over the AfD's European election campaign. China has officially denied the allegations, claiming they are deliberate attempts to undermine cooperation between China and Europe. Jian G.'s espionage activities were reportedly identified starting January 2024. Krah holds multiple parliamentary committee roles including international trade and security. Public and political pressure is mounting with calls for Krah's resignation.