The main suspect in the McCann case has been released from prison: what is known about Brueckner's release.

The case of Madeleine McCann's disappearance has become even more mysterious

According to The Sun: The case of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, which became one of the most famous in the world, has taken a new shocking turn. The main suspect, Christian Brueckner, was released this week, despite the prosecution believing he is involved in the murder of the missing child.

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How did a person considered one of the most dangerous in society end up free again, especially when the case of Madeleine's disappearance has not yet gone to court?

Brueckner's story began in June 2020, when German investigators announced they had a suspect — a 42-year-old inmate named Christian B. It was also revealed that, according to their data, Madeleine might be dead.

“We do not have a body or any body parts, but we have enough evidence to assert that our suspect killed Madeleine McCann,” said prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters.

At that time, Brueckner was already serving time for the brutal rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2005. Many believed that all the pieces of the puzzle finally fit together, but Brueckner denied all charges.

However, the police found a large amount of strange materials at one of his old properties. This data, revealed in a documentary, included disturbing evidence: USB drives containing stories about child abductions and abuse, correspondence on Skype with other pedophiles, as well as over 75 wet swimsuits, toys, little bicycles, and drugs that could cause unconsciousness.

Shocking were also photographs of Brueckner by a dam, just 35 miles from where Madeleine disappeared, including nude selfies in a balaclava.

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But for the prosecutors, this evidence was insufficient to build a case. Soon after announcing the suspect, a witness who was interrogated by the police after Madeleine's abduction in 2007 recalled seeing Brueckner acting suspiciously near the McCann's apartment on that night.

Another witness claimed that Portuguese detectives had shown him Brueckner's photo years ago, but no action was taken.

It was also reported that Brueckner told his ex-girlfriend before Madeleine disappeared: “I have a horrible job in Praia da Luz tomorrow.” This information became part of the case against him.

In May 2023, the police conducted a three-day search near the Arade reservoir in Portugal, focusing on the place where Brueckner is believed to have lived in his van.

However, search results again proved fruitless.

Brueckner's dark past

CHRISTIAN BRUECKNER has a criminal record spanning decades.

He was first convicted in 1994 for child sexual abuse; again in 2016, and at the time of Madeleine's disappearance, he was living in Portugal.

He was also convicted for the rape of an American woman in Praia da Luz in 2005, just a few meters from the complex where the McCanns stayed.

However, prosecutors continue to insist that he is their main suspect.

Wolvers recently stated: “There are no others. This is the only suspect.”

Brueckner was released when a judge revoked the arrest warrant, deciding that there was insufficient witness testimony.

This raised concern that Brueckner could be acquitted and released from prison once his sentence for the rape of the elderly woman is over.

However, prosecutors filed a motion for the judge's removal, fearing that the court had already formed its opinion about Brueckner.

Even in the absence of evidence, Brueckner was acquitted last October when the judge found that the prosecution's witnesses had failed to convince the court.

These decisions were a blow to the Madeleine case, as they raised doubts about the reliability of key witnesses.

Now, realizing that Brueckner will leave the prison walls, prosecutors face serious challenges. After Brueckner spoke at the hearing, it became clear that the prosecution has chances to try to keep him incarcerated to apply more pressure on the situation.

Criminologists who worked with Brueckner understand that the chances of keeping him behind bars, given the lack of compelling evidence, are dwindling by the minute.

And even despite this, Brueckner, demonstrating an ability to navigate the German justice system, noted: “In Germany, you do not have to prove your innocence, but the state prosecution must prove your clear guilt.”

“Any slightest doubt leads to acquittal.”

Thus, the 48-year-old man was set free, as a police officer investigating him paid off a debt of £1,253 that could have kept him in prison until January next year.

Disappearance of Madeleine McCann

MADELEINE MCCANN disappeared on May 3, 2007, and the police believe Brueckner may be involved in her disappearance.

After nearly 17 years, no one has been held accountable in this case. Here are the key dates:

• May 3, 2007 – Kate McCann discovered Madeleine's disappearance at 10 PM.
• May 14, 2007 – Real estate developer Robert Murat becomes an 'arguido' or formal suspect.
• August 31, 2007 – The McCanns file a defamation lawsuit against Tal e Qual – a newspaper that claimed the couple killed Madeleine.
• September 7, 2007 – Kate and Gerry McCann become 'arguidos'.
• September 9, 2007 – The parents of Madeleine return to England with their two-year-old twins.
• October 2, 2007 – Lead detective Goncalo Amaral is removed from the case after criticism from British police in the newspaper.