British authorities are exploring the possibility of pressing charges against the main suspect linked to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The Metropolitan Police recently disclosed that they had sent a formal request to Christian Brueckner, a 49-year-old German national, for questioning, which he declined. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that the ongoing investigation into Madeleine’s vanishing from Praia da Luz in 2007 remains classified as a missing person case.
According to Sir Mark, the police are reassessing both the German and Portuguese inquiries following Brueckner’s release from prison. He emphasized that Brueckner is still considered a suspect, and the authorities are evaluating their next steps, including the potential for extradition to the UK.
In a statement, Sir Mark commended the German police for their diligence in the case, noting their exhaustive efforts. Brueckner had been serving a seven-year sentence in Germany for a 2005 rape incident in Praia da Luz before his recent release. He has consistently denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, leading the Metropolitan Police’s investigation, affirmed their commitment to pursuing all leads, even in the absence of an interview with Brueckner. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the UK, Germany, and Portugal in unraveling the mystery surrounding Madeleine’s disappearance.
Various searches have been conducted by the German, Portuguese, and British authorities in connection with the case, including a recent operation near the municipality of Lagos. Brueckner’s presence in the region between 2000 and 2017, along with his documented activities near the Barragem do Arade reservoir, has drawn scrutiny. Despite being cleared of unrelated sexual offenses last year, the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Grange continues its probing, with costs exceeding £13.2 million since its inception in 2011.
As investigations persist, the authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice for Madeleine McCann.
