Camilla Jessen
New update in the case.
German prisoner Christian Brueckner, long suspected in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, may soon walk free.
Early Release
Christian Brueckner, the German man officially named a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, could be out of prison in just two weeks.
According to reports cited by The Olive Press, there’s growing speculation he could even be released up to 10 days early — possibly as soon as early September — in an attempt to avoid media frenzy or potential vigilante threats.
Serving a 7-Year Sentence
Brueckner is currently serving a seven-year sentence for the violent 2005 rape of a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
This is the same coastal town where three-year-old Madeleine vanished in 2007 while on holiday with her family.
“They Know He Did It”
Despite no formal charges ever being filed in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance, Brueckner has remained Germany’s prime suspect since 2020.
Speaking to The Olive Press, one source close to the investigation said:
“They know he did it, but they need to prove it… The police are working around the clock to try to find the final bit of the jigsaw.”
Case Brought Back Into Spotlight
Authorities in both Germany and Portugal have intensified their efforts this year.
In June, a new joint search was launched in Portugal’s Algarve region, near Brueckner’s former residence.
However, the investigation remains in limbo, with prosecutors admitting they still lack sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
Defense Team Denies Early Release
Brueckner’s lawyers have pushed back on the reports.
In comments to The Mirror, his legal team said they were unaware of any plans for early release and had received no such notice from prison authorities in Lower Saxony, where Brueckner is being held.
Still, questions remain about what will happen if he walks free. He is officially listed as an arguido — a formal suspect — under Portuguese law, but whether he will face surveillance or restrictions in Germany is unclear.
Possible Flight Risk?
German authorities have reportedly discussed placing Brueckner under führungsaufsicht — a strict post-release supervision regime for high-risk offenders.
Under such rules, he could be banned from being near schools, required to report regularly to the police, and restricted from moving freely without permission.
There are also fears he could flee to a country with no extradition agreement with the EU or the UK. His defense lawyer has not ruled out the possibility.
“There Is No One Else”
Hans Christian Wolters, the German prosecutor leading the case, has remained firm in his belief that Brueckner is responsible.
“There is no one else. We have evidence which indicates that he is responsible for the disappearance and death of Madeleine McCann,” Wolters told the media.
Prosecutors Say Evidence Is Strong — But Not Enough
“But in our view, it’s not strong enough to make a guilty verdict likely — and that’s why, so far, we couldn’t charge him.”
Wolters confirmed that while some of the evidence against Brueckner has strengthened in recent years, nothing has emerged that clears him.
A Chilling Backdrop
Brueckner’s prior crimes, including the 2005 rape for which he is currently imprisoned, were committed just streets away from the McCann family’s holiday apartment.
Forensic evidence in that case included a hair found on the victim’s bed, helping secure his 2018 conviction.
