Former European Parliament Aide Sentenced Nearly Five Years for China Espionage in Germany

Jian Guo, a German citizen and former aide to Maximilian Krah, a far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) lawmaker, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for spying for China. He was found guilty of passing sensitive and confidential information from the European Parliament to Chinese intelligence between 2019 and 2024, while also targeting Chinese dissidents in Europe. Guo denied the charges throughout the trial, but the court convicted him of espionage, highlighting concerns about China's intelligence activities in Europe. The case has also drawn scrutiny to Krah, whose parliamentary immunity was lifted amid investigations into possible corruption and espionage links, although he denies any involvement. This espionage scandal casts a shadow over the AfD party, which has been under political pressure due to its controversial positions and Krah's previous remarks. The German authorities continue to investigate the broader implications of espionage within sensitive European political institutions.