German police raid AfD lawmaker’s offices in inquiry over Chinese payments
Maximilian Krah’s immunity lifted and searches carried out in Berlin, Dresden and Brussels amid allegations of corruption and money laundering tied to China.
German authorities have searched offices and homes of Alternative for Germany (AfD) lawmaker Maximilian Krah, following allegations that he accepted payments from China linked to corruption and money laundering.
The searches took place in Berlin, Dresden, and Brussels after parliament voted to lift his immunity earlier today.
Prosecutors in Dresden are investigating whether Krah, during his time in the European Parliament, received bribes connected to Chinese funds.
The case builds on earlier scrutiny after one of his assistants, Jian Guo, was arrested in 2024 on suspicion of espionage for China.
Krah has denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations absurd, fabricated, and politically motivated.
The parliamentary vote to strip Krah of immunity reflects the seriousness of the allegations.
Police, acting under a court order, carried out searches of Krah’s parliamentary office in Berlin, his residence in Dresden, and his former offices in Brussels.
Officials are examining whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges.
AfD leadership acknowledged the investigation but stressed that Germany’s intelligence services — which recently labelled the party as extremist — are themselves led and appointed by political rivals of AfD.
Party representatives argue that such classifications are politically motivated and designed to weaken their movement.
Krah remains defiant in the face of the investigations, pledging to defend himself.
Authorities are expected to reveal further details in coming days as the legal process unfolds.
The searches took place in Berlin, Dresden, and Brussels after parliament voted to lift his immunity earlier today.
Prosecutors in Dresden are investigating whether Krah, during his time in the European Parliament, received bribes connected to Chinese funds.
The case builds on earlier scrutiny after one of his assistants, Jian Guo, was arrested in 2024 on suspicion of espionage for China.
Krah has denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations absurd, fabricated, and politically motivated.
The parliamentary vote to strip Krah of immunity reflects the seriousness of the allegations.
Police, acting under a court order, carried out searches of Krah’s parliamentary office in Berlin, his residence in Dresden, and his former offices in Brussels.
Officials are examining whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges.
AfD leadership acknowledged the investigation but stressed that Germany’s intelligence services — which recently labelled the party as extremist — are themselves led and appointed by political rivals of AfD.
Party representatives argue that such classifications are politically motivated and designed to weaken their movement.
Krah remains defiant in the face of the investigations, pledging to defend himself.
Authorities are expected to reveal further details in coming days as the legal process unfolds.
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