Summary
Jian Guo, a former aide to a German far-right lawmaker, was found guilty of spying for China over four years while working at the European Parliament. He received a prison sentence of four years and nine months after being accused of sharing sensitive information with a Chinese intelligence service. His former employer, Maximilian Krah, has been linked to similar accusations, but Krah denies any involvement.
Key Facts
- Jian Guo, a German citizen, was convicted of spying for China while employed at the European Parliament.
- He passed on information about European Union negotiations and decisions from 2019 to 2024.
- Guo was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.
- China’s foreign ministry has dismissed reports of Chinese espionage as attempts to discredit the country.
- Guo gathered information on Chinese dissidents and prominent far-right politicians in Germany.
- His former boss, Maximilian Krah, was questioned during Guo's trial and claims no knowledge of the spying.
- Germany’s parliament lifted Krah’s immunity, allowing authorities to investigate him for possible ties to China.
- Krah, who faced political controversy, denies wrongdoing but was barred from EU elections by his party last year.
