Portuguese prosecutors have formally declared Christian Brueckner, 45, an official suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The German national, who denies any involvement, was made an “arguido” on Wednesday, just days before the 15th anniversary of the toddler’s disappearance.
Portuguese authorities have not officially named Brueckner, but German prosecutors confirmed he was informed of his new status at their request. Under Portuguese law, a suspect can only be declared up to 15 years after a crime, and the deadline would have passed on 3 May 2022.
Brueckner is currently serving a prison sentence in Germany for drug offences and was also convicted of raping a 72-year-old woman. He has not been charged in connection with Madeleine’s case and maintains his innocence.
Three-year-old Madeleine vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Algarve, on 3 May 2007. She has never been found, and police believe she was abducted. The Metropolitan Police continue to treat her disappearance as a missing persons inquiry.
Former police officer Jim Gamble, who led a 2010 review of the case, said the evidence against Brueckner was “extremely strong” and suggested charges might follow. He noted that a mobile phone linked to Brueckner placed him in the area around the time of the disappearance.
Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, have long campaigned for answers. Brueckner’s lawyer has reportedly declared his client homeless, though this has not been officially confirmed in the source.
