A man working for a German lawmaker in the European Parliament has been apprehended on suspicion of spying for China, according to prosecutors.
The individual, identified only as Jian G by German privacy regulations, was detained on Monday in Dresden, as confirmed by federal prosecutors in a statement.
Authorities disclosed that Jian G had been employed by a German legislator within the European Union’s legislative body since 2019, although the lawmaker’s identity was not disclosed.
Maximilian Krah, a leading figure in the far-right Alternative for Germany party and the party’s top candidate for the upcoming European Parliament election in June, acknowledged being informed about the arrest of his employee, Jian G, through media reports on Tuesday.
Krah asserted that espionage allegations against his employee were grave and warranted immediate dismissal if proven true, emphasizing the seriousness of spying for a foreign state.
Jian G, who holds German citizenship, stands accused of collaborating with a Chinese intelligence service and transmitting information regarding negotiations and decisions within the European Parliament in January.
Additionally, prosecutors allege that Jian G engaged in espionage activities targeting Chinese dissidents residing in Germany.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser denounced the spying allegations as “extremely serious,” characterizing any espionage act within the European Parliament as an assault on European democracy.
Faeser underscored the importance of a thorough investigation into the matter, urging accountability for anyone found to have been involved in such activities.
The arrest of Jian G follows a separate case involving the apprehension of three Germans suspected of spying for China and facilitating the transfer of technology with potential military applications.
In another development on the same day, authorities in the UK announced charges against a former parliamentary researcher and another individual for espionage on behalf of China.
Responding to inquiries about the recent arrest in Germany, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed the reports as attempts to tarnish China’s reputation and called for an end to what he termed as “disinformation” and “malicious smears.”
Jian G’s arrest coincides with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to China, during which he engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders on various issues, including economic cooperation and climate change.
The German government’s strategy for relations with China, outlined last year, acknowledged the existence of a “systemic rivalry” with China while emphasizing the importance of collaboration on global challenges such as climate change.
However, the document also underscored the need for decisive action to counter Chinese espionage activities, reflecting growing concerns about the extent of Chinese influence and espionage in Europe.
