German Lawmaker's Former Aide Convicted of Spying for China
A former aide to a German far-right lawmaker was convicted and jailed for spying for China, passing sensitive EU Parliament information and raising concerns about Chinese intelligence.
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Overview
- Jian Guo, a former aide to German far-right lawmaker Maximilian Krah, was convicted of spying for a Chinese intelligence service in Germany.
- Guo was found guilty of passing on sensitive information regarding negotiations and decisions within the European Union Parliament between 2019 and 2024.
- He also gathered intelligence on Chinese dissidents and prominent politicians associated with Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party.
- The conviction led to a sentence of four years and nine months in prison, highlighting growing concerns about China's espionage activities in the EU.
- Maximilian Krah, the lawmaker, increased office security after learning of the allegations, following the lifting of Guo's parliamentary immunity.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the conviction of a former German far-right aide for Chinese espionage with factual reporting. They present the charges, the sentence, and include denials from the accused and China's foreign ministry. The coverage also provides relevant, unembellished context regarding the aide's former boss and his party, maintaining an objective tone throughout.
"The court in Dresden said it was a particularly serious case, although in his final statement Jian Guo told the trial last week: "I did not work for a Chinese intelligence agency and I am innocent.""
BBC News"A man who worked for a prominent German far-right lawmaker in the European Parliament was convicted Tuesday of spying for China for more than four years, according to German news agency dpa."
ABC News"The former aide's conviction highlights serious concerns regarding espionage activities linked to foreign powers."
ABC News"A man who worked for a prominent German far-right lawmaker in the European Parliament was convicted Tuesday of spying for China for more than four years, according to German news agency dpa."
Associated PressArticles (4)
Center (4)
FAQ
Jian Guo is a German citizen and former aide to German far-right lawmaker Maximilian Krah in the European Parliament. He was convicted for spying for China by passing sensitive EU Parliament information to Chinese intelligence from 2019 to 2024.
Jian Guo passed sensitive information regarding negotiations and decisions within the European Union Parliament, gathered intelligence on Chinese dissidents and politicians linked to the far-right Alternative for Germany party, and allegedly shared military details including troop movements and drones.
Jian Guo was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for spying for China, following his conviction in a Dresden court.
Maximilian Krah, the lawmaker who employed Jian Guo, denied knowledge of the spying activities and stated that he hired Guo for his language skills and business background. Krah has increased office security after Guo's parliamentary immunity was lifted. Separately, Krah is under investigation for alleged money laundering and accepting bribes from Chinese sources.
The conviction highlights growing concerns over Chinese intelligence activities within the European Union, especially regarding infiltration of European political institutions and the far-right Alternative for Germany party.
History
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