Christian Brückner, the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann’s disappearance case, has been released from prison in Germany after he served a sentence for an unrelated offense.
In light of his release, Life & Style breaks down everything we know about Madeleine’s disappearance, why Brückner is a suspect in the case and more.
What Happened to Madeleine McCann?
In May 2007, Madeleine was just 3 years old when she and her family were on vacation at the Ocean Club in Praia da Luz, Portugal. On May 3, 2007, her parents, Kate McCann and Gerry McCann, went out to dinner with a group of friends at a restaurant in the complex they were staying at.
Meanwhile, Madeleine, her younger brother and sister stayed in the apartment that was 100 yards away from the restaurant.
When Kate went to go check on the kids, she discovered that Madeleine was missing. Police were called to the scene, while staff and guests at the complex began a search for Madeleine.
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On May 26, 2007, police issued a description of a man who was seen possibly carrying a child on the night of Madeleine’s disappearance, according to BBC. The police continued their search with no luck, and it was announced in July 2008 that Portuguese authorities submitted their final report on the case.
Authorities shelved their investigation a few weeks later.
The McCann family became vocal about their frustrations that police stopped searching for Madeleine, while Prime Minister David Cameron asked the Metropolitan Police to continue the investigation, per BBC.
In May 2013, UK detectives said they identified “a number of persons of interest” in the case. By July of that year, Scotland Yard announced it had “new evidence and new witnesses” in the case and a formal investigation was opened. The detectives then shared in October 2013 that they identified 41 potential suspects in the case.
Christian Brückner Was Named a Suspect in Madeleine McCann’s Disappearance
In June 2020, police revealed that German prisoner Brückner was identified as a suspect. “All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice,” the McCanns said in a statement to police, per BBC. “We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace.”
Over the course of the investigation, German prosecutors found evidence, such as his mobile phone data, that indicated Brückner may have been in the area when Madeleine vanished, according to BBC. Additionally, police found photos and videos that confirmed Brückner spent time in the Praia da Luz area between 2000 and 2017.
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Per the outlet, authorities have consistently insisted Brückner may be responsible for her disappearance. However, authorities have not found strong enough evidence to bring charges against him. Brückner has denied having any involvement in the case.
Brückner was a drifter, petty criminal and convicted sex offender at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance. He has a history of convictions, including for sexually abusing children in 1994 and 2016, per BBC.
Christian Brückner Was Released From Prison in September 2025
While police have never been able to charge Brückner with Madeleine’s disappearance, he did serve time for an unrelated offense before he was recently released in September 2025. Brückner was serving time after he was convicted of raping a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2005, according to BBC.
Following his release, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said Brückner “remains a suspect for us” in Madeleine’s disappearance, per BBC.
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According to the outlet, Brückner was handed strict release terms by a regional court at the request of prosecutors amid fears he could flee. Brückner has been ordered to wear an electronic ankle monitor for five years as part of his probationary supervision. Prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters also told BBC that Brückner must contact a probation officer at least once a month and get court approval for any change of residence.
