A German national working for a lawmaker in the European Parliament has been arrested on suspicion of spying for China. The suspect, identified as Jian G., was apprehended in Dresden on Monday. He has been employed by a German lawmaker in the European Union since 2019. While the specific lawmaker was not disclosed, reports suggest he worked for Maximilian Krah of the far-right Alternative for Germany party.
Jian G. is accused of collaborating with a Chinese intelligence service by sharing information on negotiations and decisions within the European Parliament earlier this year. Additionally, he allegedly monitored Chinese dissidents in Germany. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the spying allegations as 'extremely serious,' emphasizing the threat they pose to European democracy.
Faeser stressed the importance of thoroughly investigating the case to uncover all connections and backgrounds involved. The incident follows the recent arrest of three Germans suspected of spying for China and engaging in the unauthorized transfer of technology with potential military applications. Furthermore, British prosecutors announced charges against a former U.K. Parliament researcher and another individual for espionage activities on behalf of China.
