Christian Brückner Declines Met Police Interview in Madeline McCann Case

Mon Sep 15 2025 12:43:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, Christian Brückner, has refused to be interviewed by the Metropolitan Police, complicating the long-standing investigation into the case.

Christian Brückner, the primary suspect in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, has turned down an interview request from the Metropolitan Police. The German national, who is set to be released from prison soon, has not been formally charged in relation to McCann's case, despite being considered a suspect in both German and Portuguese investigations. The search for the missing toddler continues as authorities pursue potential lines of inquiry.

The prime suspect in the high-profile case of Madeleine McCann's disappearance has declined to be interviewed by the Metropolitan Police, the force has said.

The Met reported that an international letter of request was sent to Christian Brückner ahead of his imminent release from a separate offense, which he later rejected.

Brückner, a 49-year-old German national, has never been charged with any crime related to the McCann case and denies any involvement.

Madeleine vanished in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz in 2007. She and her siblings had been left sleeping in a holiday apartment while her parents, Kate and Gerry, dined at a nearby restaurant.

They checked in on the children periodically until Kate discovered that Madeleine was missing around 22:00.

Brückner is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in Germany for the rape of a 72-year-old woman at her home in Praia da Luz in 2005.

German authorities mention he will be released by Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell indicated that Brückner remains a suspect in the Met Police's investigation into Madeleine's disappearance. He has been a primary suspect since 2020 in Germany and 2022 in Portugal.

We have requested an interview with this German suspect, but for legal reasons, this has to be done via an International Letter of Request, which has already been submitted, said Det Ch Insp Cranwell. This was subsequently refused by the suspect. Regardless, we will continue to follow any viable lines of inquiry.

Madeleine's disappearance has gained international attention, fueling ongoing investigations in Portugal and Germany. Recent evidence pointed to Brückner possibly being in the area when she vanished.

Despite the suspicion, authorities have yet to find substantial evidence to press charges against him.

Brückner, known for his life of crime and being a convicted sex offender with numerous past offenses, is not charged in connection with McCann's case, yet remains embroiled in ongoing search and investigation efforts.

Investigators recently focused on possible connections between Brückner and the time and place of Madeleine's disappearance, although no breakthroughs have been reported.