The decades-long mystery of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance is taking another tense turn.
German authorities have issued a warning that the prime suspect, Christian Brueckner, is set to be released from prison soon—and there are fears he could leave the country.
The case, which has gripped the world since 2007, remains unsolved, and prosecutors are worried about what might happen once Brueckner regains his freedom.
Brueckner Remains a Person of Interest
Brueckner, 48, is considered the chief suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance from a Portuguese resort when she was just three years old.
While prosecutors suspect he killed the young girl in Praia da Luz, Portugal, they lack enough evidence to formally charge him.
Brueckner himself has repeatedly denied any involvement, and his lawyer did not respond to AFP requests for comment this week.
Concerns About Future Risks
Adding to the alarm, a recent psychiatric assessment concluded that Brueckner is likely to commit further sexual offenses.
Christian Wolters, the chief prosecutor, described him as “fundamentally dangerous,” noting that he has not undergone any therapy or similar treatment during his time in prison.
Wolters explained that prosecutors have requested release conditions such as wearing an ankle monitor and notifying authorities of his residence.
“Even if these are granted, he will be basically a free man,” Wolters said.
“I assume he will leave Germany because of all the media attention, so he doesn’t have to face it constantly.”
A Case That Shocked the World
Madeleine disappeared in May 2007 from her family’s holiday apartment in Portugal’s Algarve region while her parents were dining at a nearby tapas bar.
Despite a massive international search, years of media coverage, and countless leads, no trace of her has ever been found.
German prosecutors officially named Brueckner as their top suspect in 2020.
While they claim to have “concrete evidence” linking him to the disappearance, it isn’t enough for a conviction.
Therefore, he has not been formally charged over Madeleine’s killing.
Brueckner’s Criminal Record
Brueckner is currently serving a sentence in Germany for the rape of a 72-year-old American woman in the same area of Portugal where Madeleine went missing.
In 2022, he was also charged with five additional counts of rape and child sex abuse allegedly committed between 2000 and 2017 in the Algarve.
However, he was acquitted of these charges earlier this year.
Prosecutors have requested a retrial in a different court, but a decision is not expected until next year.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance continues.
Authorities recently conducted a new search in Praia da Luz in June, and there are still “other lines of inquiry” under review.
Wolters emphasized that while charges could still be brought, it is unclear how likely that is.
“We have not found anything in the last five years of investigation that refutes the suspicion against Christian B.,” Wolters said.
“We have not found any exonerating evidence, no alibi, nothing to indicate he couldn’t have been there.
For us, Christian B. is responsible for Madeleine’s death, and he is the only one responsible.”