The resolution of the Madeleine McCann case could be on the verge of collapsing as a crucial witness threatens to retract their testimony. "He received a substantial sum of money," a source told The Sun.
Madeleine McCann was only three years old when she disappeared on May 3, 2007, on the Algarve coast in Portugal. The case has puzzled many for a long time.
Finally, it seemed that the case was getting closer to a solution. German prosecutors had hoped to convict the prime suspect, Christian Brückner, of the girl's murder.
But now, the prosecution appears to be on the verge of collapsing, as reported by The Sun.
For three years, Brückner has been the main focus of prosecutors and police, suspected of kidnapping and murdering the girl. A key witness in the case was Brückner's former friend, Helge Busching.
"She disappeared without a trace" Six years ago, Helge Busching contacted the police, claiming to have information about the case.
"Christian asked me if I was planning to travel to Portugal. I said no because there were still too many problems and police for me due to the missing child. I said, 'It's really strange that she disappeared without a trace.' Christian replied, 'Yes, she didn't scream,'" Helge Busching told German police.
"Withdraw His Testimony" But now, the solution to the high-profile case seems to be hanging by a thread. According to sources cited by The Sun, the former friend has threatened not to testify against Christian Brückner, dealing a severe blow to the investigation.
"What's being said is that Busching is threatening to withdraw his testimony. He received a substantial sum of money to repeat his claims in a German newspaper, and now he's pulling out," said the source, who claims to have insight into the investigation.
"This shows the kind of people they've been dealing with and their reliability as witnesses," the source added.