Espionage Scandal Hits Brussels - How Close Did a Chinese Spy Get to AfD's Maximilian Krah?
Maximilian Krah on an AfD podium. Foto: AFP/Ronny Hartmann
Pressure on Maximilian Krah, lead candidate for the far-right AfD in the European elections, is mounting. On Tuesday, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office searched the office rooms of the Member of the European Parliament in Brussels. This was reported by German newspaper the “Zeit”.
The raid is said to be connected with the arrest of Krah’s longtime employee, Jian G., two weeks ago. The 43-year-old Chinese national is suspected of being a Chinese spy.
Since Krah enjoys parliamentary immunity as a Member of the European Parliament, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office obtained the consent of the European Parliament beforehand.
However, investigations cannot be conducted against the AfD politician as long as this is not lifted. This does not appear to be the case though – according to the Zeit, Krah is being considered as a witness, not as an accused party.
Rooms shared by AfD man Krah and alleged spy searched
During the raid at the Altiero Spinelli building, rooms are said to have been searched that were used in common by several people. On the fifth floor, Krah and Jian G. worked side by side.
Nevertheless, the search is problematic for the AfD as it serves as a reminder of how close the Chinese secret service got to the AfD lead candidate. Moreover, according to the “Zeit”, it cannot be ruled out that new insights could be gained from the search that could incriminate Krah himself. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office, which confirmed the raid, did not comment on this when requested.