Former AfD Aide Sentenced for Espionage
Jian Guo, a former parliamentary aide to far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) politician Maximilian Krah, was convicted on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by Dresden's Higher Regional Court for spying for China. He received a sentence of four years and nine months in prison. Guo, a German citizen, had denied the charges throughout the proceedings, stating, 'I did not work for a Chinese intelligence service and I am innocent.'
Details of Espionage Activities
Prosecutors presented evidence that Guo had been working for Chinese intelligence services since 2002, continuing his activities while employed in Krah's office at the European Parliament between 2019 and 2024. His espionage activities included:
- Passing on information about negotiations and decisions within the European Parliament to Chinese intelligence.
- Gathering intelligence on leading AfD politicians.
- Monitoring Chinese opposition figures and dissidents residing in Germany and Europe.
- Collecting approximately 500 sensitive documents from the parliament during his tenure.
The court determined that Guo's intelligence activities were 'of a particularly serious nature.' A co-defendant, identified as Chinese national Yaqi X., received a suspended sentence of one year and nine months. She admitted to sharing information related to cargo and flight data, particularly concerning military transports, from Leipzig Airport.
Maximilian Krah's Stance and Related Investigations
Maximilian Krah, who was a Member of the European Parliament during Guo's employment and now sits in Germany's Bundestag, consistently denied any knowledge of his former aide's alleged espionage activities. Krah stated he had 'taken the necessary consequences immediately after the arrest and significantly increased security in my office.' He also expressed that he was not surprised by the verdict and welcomed the trial for providing 'clarity about the espionage activities of which (he) was a victim.'
Separately, Krah himself faces legal challenges. Dresden prosecutors are investigating him on suspicion of bribery and money laundering connected to alleged Chinese payments. The German parliament recently lifted his immunity, allowing for potential prosecution and searches of his premises. Krah has denied these allegations, describing them as 'absurd, fabricated, and purely politically motivated.'
International Implications and Reactions
The conviction of Jian Guo has intensified concerns across Europe regarding the extent of Chinese espionage activity and foreign influence on political systems and national security. China's Foreign Ministry has previously dismissed accusations of espionage in Europe, characterizing such reports as attempts to 'smear and suppress China' and 'undermine cooperation with Europe.'
9 Comments
Comandante
Finally, some justice against foreign interference. European security is paramount!
Bella Ciao
Four years is too lenient for such serious espionage. A slap on the wrist!
Mariposa
This conviction rightly addresses a serious national security threat. Yet, the fact that an AfD aide was involved raises uncomfortable questions about the party's internal vetting processes and susceptibility to foreign manipulation.
Africa
Krah's denial is laughable. He clearly enabled this or was deeply negligent.
Habibi
It's good to see justice served for espionage, but Maximilian Krah's claims of being a victim ring hollow given his own ongoing investigations. This case exposes a troubling nexus of foreign influence and potential corruption.
Aidguy
This entire AfD situation is a mess. How many more are compromised?
eliphas
The severity of Guo's actions is undeniable and requires a strong response. However, the timing and political context, especially with Krah's own legal troubles, make one wonder about the broader implications for German politics.
paracelsus
This conviction validates concerns about Chinese intelligence operations. A necessary step.
anubis
Punishing spies is essential for maintaining trust in our democratic institutions. Still, we must also critically examine why figures like Krah, now facing his own bribery charges, seem to attract such problematic associations.