British authorities are considering the possibility of pursuing charges against the main suspect linked to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in the United Kingdom. The Metropolitan Police disclosed that they had sent a formal request to Christian Brueckner, a 49-year-old German individual, for questioning, which he declined. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that the investigation into Madeleine’s vanishing in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007 is still classified as a missing person case.
Sir Mark informed reporters that investigators are reassessing both the German and Portuguese inquiries now that Brueckner has been released from prison. He emphasized that Brueckner remains a suspect in their investigation and mentioned the possibility of extradition to the UK due to the extraterritorial nature of murder cases involving British citizens.
The German authorities were acknowledged for their efforts in the case, with Sir Mark mentioning their dedication and diligence. Brueckner, who was previously serving a seven-year sentence in Germany for a 2005 rape case in Praia da Luz, has consistently denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, leading the Metropolitan Police’s investigation, affirmed the commitment to pursuing all potential leads despite the lack of an interview with Brueckner. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration with German and Portuguese law enforcement agencies in unraveling the events of May 3, 2007, when Madeleine went missing.
Various searches have been conducted by German, Portuguese, and British authorities since Madeleine’s disappearance, including recent operations near Lagos, Portugal. Brueckner’s presence in the area between 2000 and 2017, along with his documented activities near the reservoir, have raised suspicions. Despite being cleared of unrelated charges by a German court last year, doubts linger regarding his potential involvement in the case.
The extensive investigation, known as Operation Grange, has incurred significant costs over the years, with the recent allocation of additional funds to support ongoing efforts. The case continues to unfold as authorities strive to piece together the puzzle surrounding Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.