Bundestag Lifts Immunity of AfD Politician Krah Over Corruption Probe

The Bundestag has lifted the parliamentary immunity of AfD lawmaker Maximilian Krah, enabling investigators to proceed with searches and seizures connected to corruption allegations. Bundestag President Julia Klöckner announced the decision during a session that briefly interrupted a debate on healthcare legislation. She noted that the motion passed with support from all parties, including Krah’s own AfD faction.

Immediately after the vote, investigators carried out searches at Krah’s Bundestag office in Berlin. Additional operations took place in Dresden and, with the assistance of Eurojust and Belgian authorities, in Brussels. The searches were authorized by the Dresden Higher Regional Court. The Dresden public prosecutor’s office confirmed its role as the lead authority in the case, which has been ongoing since May 2025.

Allegations of Bribery and Money Laundering

The investigation centers on suspicions that Krah accepted money from Chinese sources during his time as a Member of the European Parliament. Prosecutors are examining whether sufficient evidence exists to justify formal charges or whether the case should be closed. Details remain limited due to the active status of the inquiry, but investigators are focusing on possible bribery and money laundering linked to foreign payments.

Krah himself has publicly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. On social media, he described the search of his office as an attempt at intimidation and vowed to resist what he portrayed as a campaign against him. His party leadership, however, responded cautiously, calling the development serious but withholding a clear statement of support. AfD co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla emphasized the need for swift investigations and transparent results.

Previous Controversies and Internal Party Tensions

Krah is no stranger to controversy within his party. Before being elected to the Bundestag in February, where he secured a direct mandate in Saxony, he served as a member of the European Parliament. His tenure there was overshadowed by disputes and scandals that led to his exclusion from the AfD group in Brussels. Allegations had previously circulated that he received financial support from Russian sources, which he rejected.

His reputation has further suffered from association with a close aide who is currently on trial in Dresden. The aide is accused of passing sensitive information to Chinese intelligence services while employed in Krah’s parliamentary office between 2019 and 2024. German prosecutors allege that the staffer also had ties to China’s Communist Party.

Testimony in Espionage Case

Just a week before the Bundestag vote, Krah testified in the espionage trial of his former employee. Appearing before the Dresden Higher Regional Court, he insisted that he had no knowledge of any spying activities or party affiliations connected to China. When asked about potential financial transfers between the accused staffer and himself, Krah exercised his legal right to refuse testimony.

The espionage proceedings have heightened scrutiny around Krah’s role and connections, adding weight to the corruption investigation. While the allegations of bribery and money laundering remain separate, both cases paint a picture of growing concern among German authorities about possible foreign influence in domestic politics.

Political Fallout and Next Steps

The Bundestag’s decision has placed the AfD leadership in a delicate position. While the party sought to distance itself from Krah’s legal troubles, its leaders avoided condemning him outright. Instead, they pressed for a rapid clarification of the charges, signaling unease about the potential damage to the party’s image.

For investigators, the next stage involves evaluating the seized materials from Berlin, Dresden, and Brussels. Prosecutors must determine whether the evidence is strong enough to proceed to indictment. Until then, the case remains in a sensitive stage, with both Krah and his opponents awaiting the results that could significantly affect his political future.