BERLIN – The espionage trial against Maximilian Krah’s former parliamentary assistant began on Tuesday, with the potential to expose sensitive memos related to the far-right Alternative for Germany.
The staffer, identified as Jian G, was arrested shortly before the 2024 European elections on charges of spying for China. Prosecutors allege he collected approximately 500 sensitive parliamentary documents in Brussels from 2019 to 2024 while employed by Krah, a former AfD MEP and current German MP.
Tuesday’s hearings could bring forward intricate details regarding AfD issues, which G allegedly documented in various memos, some of which were disclosed by German media prior to the trial.
According to the German magazine Der Spiegel, these memos serve as evidence and contain information on intended internal coups, business plans from AfD members, as well as personal details about Alice Weidel, the AfD co-chair.
In a January 2024 breakfast meeting in Prague, Krah reportedly informed G that Tino Chrupalla, the AfD’s second co-chair, was attempting to overthrow Weidel. Krah indicated that Chrupalla had allowed Weidel to assume a prominent role as the lead candidate for the 2025 German elections, with the hope of becoming the sole leader of the AfD if Weidel faltered due to “her weakness and lack of leadership qualities,” as reported by Der Spiegel.
The AfD MP allegedly also revealed the identity of a sperm donor for one of Weidel’s children with her female partner.
Additionally, Der Spiegel noted that discussions regarding Weidel’s personal relationships occurred between G and Jan Wenzel Schmidt, another AfD MP, in a restaurant in Magdeburg. Schmidt allegedly claimed that Weidel was “not as tough and determined” as she appeared publicly but was still too popular to be supplanted by Krah.
Schmidt also proposed a business venture to G involving synthetic diamonds, which was reportedly demonstrated with a sample given to G.
Krah in the crosshairs
Both Krah and Schmidt have largely denied the allegations presented in the reports. Krah stated that he had no recollection of meeting in Prague, denying any conversations regarding internal or private matters and asserting that G simply noted down general rumors. Schmidt confirmed the Magdeburg meeting but refuted discussions about business or Weidel’s personal life.
Thirteen days have been allocated for the trial, with Krah expected to testify on September 3. The MP, who was recently elected to the Bundestag, had his parliamentary immunity revoked in May to facilitate the trial, as prosecutors investigate allegations of money laundering and bribery.
Der Spiegel reported that businesses associated with G had allegedly paid around €50,000 to law firms that Krah worked for.
Neither Krah nor Schmidt responded to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Reports 24brussels.
