Warning: This article discusses sensitive topics, including child abuse and rape, which may be distressing to some readers.
German investigators are reportedly urging British authorities to revisit the investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, as the primary suspect, Christian Brueckner, may soon be released from prison.
Madeleine McCann vanished at the age of three from a ground-floor apartment in Praia da Luz, Lagos, Portugal, on May 3, 2007. Her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, had left her and her twin siblings in the apartment while they dined at a nearby restaurant, periodically checking in on them.
No one has ever been convicted for the abduction or possible murder of Madeleine McCann. In 2020, Christian Brueckner was identified as the primary suspect in her case. Although he has denied any involvement and has not been formally charged in connection with her disappearance, concerning evidence has emerged.
In 2016, investigators discovered children’s clothing and photographs hidden in an unused factory owned by Brueckner. A hard drive found at the location allegedly contains evidence suggesting that Madeleine is deceased.
Brueckner, currently serving a seven-year sentence in Germany for the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old woman, may be released as early as September 2025. Last October, he was acquitted of five unrelated rape and sexual abuse charges in a separate case that occurred in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. According to the BBC, Judge Uta Engemann stated that there was insufficient evidence for a conviction and some witnesses were deemed unreliable.
To commemorate the 18th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance, Channel 4 broadcasted a documentary titled “Madeleine McCann: The Unseen Evidence” on Wednesday, May 8.
The documentary aims to uncover additional evidence linking Brueckner to the unsolved crime. According to The Sun, German investigators are eager for the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Grange team to dedicate more resources to the investigation.
A source told the publication, “There is huge interest in Germany in the British stepping up their investigation again. The clock is against the case here, and investigators do not want to see Brueckner walk free.”
“Their best option could be intervention from UK cops – but they have to be prepared to take it on. There are 20,000 pages of Madeleine evidence, and the Germans are ready to translate the lot,” the source added.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed to LADbible Group that they continue to collaborate with German and Portuguese authorities.
“We continue to support Madeleine’s family to understand what happened on the evening of 3 May 2007 in Praia da Luz,” they stated. “This includes working with our colleagues in Germany and Portugal.” The spokesperson emphasized that the force’s thoughts remain with the McCann family.
Following the documentary’s release, German police commented to LADbible: “I can’t comment on the documentary because I haven’t seen it. In my opinion, the article in The Sun doesn’t contain any real news and also contains few direct references to Madeleine McCann.”
“I assume the article was published only because of the anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance and not because of the timeliness of the alleged evidence,” they added.