British authorities are exploring the possibility of pressing charges against the main suspect linked to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in the UK. The Metropolitan Police disclosed that they had sent an official request to 49-year-old German individual Christian Brueckner 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 probes following Brueckner’s release from prison. He emphasized that Brueckner remains a suspect, and discussions are ongoing regarding potential extradition to the UK. The German authorities were commended for their diligent efforts in the case.
Brueckner, who was serving a seven-year sentence in Germany for an unrelated crime, had been released. He has consistently denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell affirmed the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to pursuing all leads in the absence of an interview with Brueckner.
Collaboration between German, Portuguese, and British law enforcement has led to various searches, including a recent one near Lagos, Portugal. Brueckner’s presence in the region between 2000 and 2017, along with his activities near the Barragem do Arade reservoir, has been under scrutiny. Despite being acquitted of past allegations, he remains a focal point of the ongoing investigation.
Operation Grange, the Met’s investigation into Madeleine’s case, has incurred substantial costs, with additional funding secured to sustain the inquiry. The search for answers continues amidst legal complexities and international cooperation among the involved authorities.