Maximilian Krah: AfD MEP Confirms FBI “Interrogation” Over Alleged Financial Ties to Kremlin Agents

In December of last year, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted an inquiry into Maximilian Krah, a far-right German lawmaker, while he was in New York, the Kyiv Independent has reported.

The investigation, revealed by Spiegel and ZDF on April 16th, raised suspicions regarding alleged financial ties between Krah and Kremlin agents.

Acknowledging the FBI interrogation in a statement to Spiegel, Krah refuted any assertions of receiving funds from Russia.

Maximilian Krah, prominently positioned as the lead candidate for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the European elections, had previously been linked to Czechia’s efforts to combat a Russian disinformation network aimed at influencing EU politics.

According to the Czech counter-intelligence service, the Kremlin utilized the Voice of Europe platform to disseminate pro-Russian narratives and financially support politicians aligned with Moscow’s interests.

A prior investigation by Spiegel implicated Petr Bystron, a colleague of Krah’s within the AfD, as one of the beneficiaries of Russian funding. Both Krah and Bystron had also participated in interviews with Voice of Europe.

The recent probe by Spiegel and ZDF disclosed that Krah was interviewed by the FBI during his visit to New York for a young Republicans gala in December 2023.

Prior to his departure, U.S. authorities detained Krah based on suspicions that he had received funds from Russia through Oleh Voloshyn, a former Ukrainian lawmaker known for his pro-Kremlin stance.

Spiegel reported that American investigators gained access to Krah’s chat exchanges with Voloshyn, where the German lawmaker was allegedly promised financial compensation for “technical expenses.”

The wording of these messages suggested ongoing payments over an extended period.

However, Krah denied ever receiving money from Voloshyn, attributing any misunderstandings to the latter’s limited proficiency in English.

Simultaneously, Belgium is also conducting investigations into Russian influence. Prime Minister Alexander de Croo expressed concerns over Kremlin attempts to bolster pro-Russian political figures within the European Parliament.

The upcoming elections for the EU’s legislative body are scheduled to occur between June 6th and 9th, amid heightened scrutiny of potential foreign interference.

Main Image – Photographer: Brigitte HASE Copyright: © European Union 2023 – Source : EP

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Maximilian Krah MEP

Read Also: Alternative for Germany (AfD) to Question Deputies Over Alleged Russian Ties

Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser stated that the investigation into the influence network dealt a “significant blow” to Russian disinformation.

The fact that leading AfD politicians have appeared repeatedly on the Voice of Europe website indicates that “Putin’s friends have repeatedly allowed themselves to become part of the Russian propaganda apparatus,” according to Faeser.

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