In a significant development for German politics, AfD politician Maximilian Krah is facing the potential loss of his parliamentary immunity amid serious allegations of bribery and money laundering. The Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office has filed a request to lift Krah's immunity, which would allow for further legal proceedings against him. This request comes in light of an investigation into Krah's actions as a Member of the European Parliament, where he is suspected of accepting payments from Chinese sources.
On May 8, 2025, the prosecutor's office confirmed that it had initiated criminal proceedings against Krah, citing sufficient evidence that suggests a prosecutable offense exists. The investigation is particularly focused on Krah's alleged involvement in bribery and money laundering related to payments received during his time in the European Parliament. The allegations have surfaced within the context of broader concerns regarding espionage activities linked to Chinese intelligence services operating in Germany.
Krah, who has been a member of the German Bundestag since the 2025 elections, has vehemently denied the accusations. In a statement on the social media platform X, he asserted that the "accusations are absurd and politically motivated" and emphasized that the allegations are aimed solely at damaging his reputation. He further claimed, "I have not committed any criminal offenses," insisting that the issue revolves around his role as a lawyer where he issued invoices to clients.
The investigation into Krah is not an isolated case; it is part of a larger pattern of scrutiny facing members of the AfD party. Just two days prior, on May 6, 2025, the European Parliament lifted the immunity of another AfD member, Petr Bystron, amid similar allegations of bribery, money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion. Bystron's case highlights the increasing legal challenges faced by the party and its representatives.
In addition to Krah, authorities are also investigating Jian G., a former assistant to Krah in the European Parliament. Jian is accused of working for a Chinese intelligence service and is alleged to have passed sensitive information regarding negotiations and decisions within the European Parliament to foreign entities. He has been in custody since April 2024, and recent reports indicate that he has been charged with espionage.
The allegations against Jian G. have raised serious concerns about the integrity of political processes within the European Parliament. Reports suggest that he compiled dossiers on leading AfD politicians and shared sensitive information, which has alarmed both German and European authorities. The investigations have led to searches of Krah's offices in Brussels, where evidence related to the case has been gathered.
Krah's defense hinges on the argument that his legal work for Jian G. was above board and that the invoices he issued were standard practice for a lawyer. He has expressed frustration over the politicization of the justice system, stating, "It is a disgrace that the judiciary is being politicized." His insistence on his innocence underscores a broader narrative of political victimization that some in the AfD have adopted in response to legal challenges.
The implications of these investigations extend beyond Krah and Jian G. They reflect a growing unease about the influence of foreign entities within German politics, particularly as the country navigates its relationship with China amidst rising geopolitical tensions. As investigations continue, the potential for further revelations remains high, with many observers closely monitoring how these allegations will impact the AfD's standing within German politics.
As the situation unfolds, the legal proceedings against Krah and Jian G. are poised to become a focal point in discussions about transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of democratic institutions in Germany. The outcome of these cases could have lasting ramifications for the AfD and its future in the Bundestag and the European Parliament.
In summary, the request to lift Maximilian Krah's immunity marks a critical juncture in a complex web of allegations involving bribery, money laundering, and espionage. With Krah's strong denials and the ongoing legal scrutiny, the coming weeks will likely reveal more about the depth of these allegations and their broader implications for German politics.
