German AfD MEP Krah Faces Bribery Probe, Avoids Espionage Charges

Maximilian Krah, the lead candidate of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, will not face investigation for allegations of Chinese espionage related to his former assistant's arrest. The Federal Public Prosecutor confirmed that the espionage investigation only targets Krah's former assistant, not Krah himself. However, preliminary investigations into suspicions of bribery by Russia and China are ongoing, carried out by a regional prosecutor.

Why this matters: The allegations of bribery and espionage against a prominent German politician highlight the vulnerability of European politics to foreign interference, which can have far-reaching consequences for national security and democratic integrity. As the investigation unfolds, it may reveal a broader network of influence peddling and propaganda efforts by foreign powers, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among European countries to counter these threats.

Two cases unrelated to Krah's assistant are still subject topreliminary investigation. Before an official investigation can start, the European Parliament would need to lift Krah's immunity as a member of the European Parliament. Krah stated on social platform X:"We are still in the realm of assumptions and insinuations."

Krah's parliamentary assistant was arrested last week on suspicion of working for the Chinese intelligence service. Media reports and revelations by the Czech intelligence service suggested Krah's close relations with China and suspected received, money via a Russian propaganda tool. The investigation into Krah's assistant is for "suspicion of acting as an intelligence agent for a Chinese intelligence service in a particularly serious case."

The pre-investigation into Krah was initiated to find out "whether there is indeed an initial suspicion of criminal conduct involving bribery of a member of parliament." This development comes amid broader concerns about Russian propaganda influence in Europe. A joint investigation by Germany's Der Spiegel and Czech newspaper Denik N revealed that the pro-Russian influence network "Voice of Europe" channeled several hundred thousand euros to six EU countries, including Germany, partly in cash and partly in cryptocurrency.

Petr Bystron, another AfD member of the German Bundestag and hopeful MEP, allegedly received, money from this Russian influence network. Content produced by other AfD members, including Krah, was also published on the Voice of Europe website, echoing the Kremlin's propaganda. Krah and Bystron are acquainted with Viktor Medvedchuk, a Ukrainian oligarch believed to be behind Voice of Europe, according to Czech intelligence.

As the investigations unfold, Krah maintains his innocence and dismisses the allegations as mere assumptions and insinuations. The European Parliament's decision on lifting hisimmunitywill be a crucial factor in determining the course of the bribery probe. The AfD's alleged ties to Russian and Chinese influence networks underscore the growing concerns about foreign interference in European politics.

Key Takeaways

• Maximilian Krah, AfD lead candidate, won't be investigated for Chinese espionage.
• Preliminary investigations into bribery by Russia and China are ongoing.
• Krah's assistant was arrested for suspected work with Chinese intelligence.
• AfD members allegedly received money from Russian influence network "Voice of Europe".
• European Parliament's decision on lifting Krah's immunity will impact bribery probe.