An extensive search is underway in Portugal as authorities make a significant effort to uncover new evidence regarding the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.
The case’s primary suspect, 48-year-old Christian Brueckner, may soon be freed from prison in September unless new evidence emerges. The convicted criminal has given a rare and unsettling interview discussing his plans post-release, leaving many feeling uneasy.
In a startling development, Christian Brueckner, a German national long associated with the mysterious disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann in 2007 while on a family vacation in Portugal, has spoken publicly for the first time, albeit from his prison cell.
Presently serving a sentence in Germany, Brueckner granted an exclusive interview as fresh investigative efforts began near his former residence in the Algarve.
At the age of three, Madeleine disappeared from her bed during her family’s stay at the Praia da Luz resort. Almost two decades have passed, and her disappearance remains a poignant unsolved mystery.
With Brueckner’s anticipated release looming, urgency has risen to resolve this case.
“I’m as well-known as a colorful dog”
Brueckner, convicted for the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz, an allegation he contests, expressed to Ulrich Oppold, a journalist for German broadcaster RT, that should he be released, he intends to flee Germany to a nation lacking an extradition treaty.
He stated, “I’m as well-known as a colorful dog,” indicating his plans to go off the grid upon release.
During his interview, Brueckner criticized the media’s portrayal of him as a monster, asserting, “I have been in prison for many years for something that I cannot have committed, and because of the media, half the world sees me as a cruel rapist.”
“I don’t go out. Not even for food.”
Brueckner spoke about his life in Sehnde Prison, portraying it as grim. He recounted an assault by another inmate resulting in broken ribs, leading him to remain in his cell continuously.
“I don’t go out. Not even for food,” he described.
Oppold noted Brueckner’s apparent intelligence but remarked on his emotional detachment. “He was well-prepared for our talk, knowing exactly what he wanted and did not want to share,” he commented.
Plastic surgery and steak?
Brueckner’s lawyer, Philipp Marquort, has mentioned his client’s thoughts about moving abroad—and even having plastic surgery—upon release. Brueckner shared in the interview, his aspirations for basic pleasures post-prison: “a steak and beer.”
However, if German authorities link him to Madeleine’s case, his freedom remains uncertain.
New search underway
Coinciding with Brueckner’s prison interview, German officials initiated an extensive four-day search near his past dwelling—just miles from Madeleine’s last known location. Around 30 officers from Germany’s BKA, akin to the FBI, are in Portugal, securing roads and employing radar to examine the territory.
This search targets wells, underground tanks, and ruins across 21 private plots, covering approximately 120 acres—a significant investigative venture after a two-year hiatus.
Still no charges
Although declared the main suspect in 2020, Brueckner remains uncharged regarding Madeleine’s disappearance. He declined to engage with direct inquiries about the child upon legal consultation during his interview.
Brueckner consistently denies involvement in Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.
