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Berlin — September 11, 2025
Germany’s parliament has lifted the immunity of far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) lawmaker Maximilian Krah, enabling prosecutors to move forward with a sweeping investigation into alleged corruption, money laundering, and ties to Chinese intelligence networks.
Details of the Decision
The Bundestag approved the removal of Krah’s legal immunity following a formal request by prosecutors in Dresden. This legal step was necessary before investigators could conduct searches of his home, parliamentary offices in Berlin and Dresden, and his workplace in Brussels.
Court documents revealed that searches were authorized by the Dresden Higher Regional Court after evidence suggested financial irregularities linked to payments allegedly originating from Chinese sources.
Allegations Against Krah
Authorities are examining whether Krah:
- Accepted payments from Chinese entities during his tenure as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
- Participated in money laundering schemes designed to obscure the source of foreign funds.
- Misused his parliamentary role to promote interests aligned with Chinese officials or companies.
The investigation gained traction earlier this year after the arrest of Krah’s former assistant, Jian Guo, who is accused of passing sensitive European Parliament information to Chinese intelligence between 2019 and 2024.
Krah has denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations “politically motivated” and insisting that he has “never taken a cent from foreign governments.”
Broader Context and Political Fallout
The case comes at a sensitive moment for German politics. The AfD, once considered a fringe party, has seen rapid growth, securing historic gains in the 2025 federal election. But mainstream parties have maintained a strict “firewall,” refusing to work with the far right due to concerns about extremism and foreign ties.
Opposition leaders say the investigation underscores “serious risks” posed by AfD lawmakers, while AfD leadership insists Krah should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Internationally, the case has stirred concern in Brussels, where European officials warn of foreign interference in EU politics. The investigation also threatens to further strain Germany-China relations, already tense over trade and security issues.
Official Report Summary
- Subject: Maximilian Krah (AfD lawmaker, age 47)
- Charges Under Investigation: Corruption, bribery, money laundering, potential involvement in Chinese influence operations
- Action Taken: Bundestag lifted immunity on Sept. 11, 2025
- Next Steps: Evidence review by Dresden prosecutors, possible filing of formal charges
- Key Figure in Case: Jian Guo (Krah’s former assistant, facing espionage charges for China)
Key Questions FAQs
Q: Why was Krah’s immunity lifted?
A: To allow prosecutors to search his offices and home and pursue a corruption and espionage-linked probe without legal barriers.
Q: What is the link to China?
A: Prosecutors allege that Krah received payments connected to Chinese sources and that his former assistant spied for Chinese intelligence.
Q: Has Krah been charged formally?
A: No formal charges have been filed yet; he is under investigation.
Q: What does this mean for AfD?
A: It deepens scrutiny of the party’s ties and could impact its credibility at a time of growing influence in German politics.
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