Former inmate Brueckner attempted to buy a phone without identification: what is known.

According to The Sun: In Germany, security has been heightened after the suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, Christian Brueckner, attempted to purchase an unregistered mobile phone while carrying an ID that could allow him to escape the country.

The 49-year-old Brueckner asked shopkeepers to sell him an anonymous phone without registration, which contradicts German law.

Criminal Christian Brueckner with a mobile phone in a shop in Germany Dan Charity The suspect in the Madeleine McCann case enters a phone store Dan Charity Brueckner hands over money for a new phone The suspect in the Madeleine McCann case sets up his smartphone in the store Dan Charity Dan Charity

Brueckner, who has already served time, attempted to buy the phone but was suspicious of ill intentions, and the seller refused him, saying: “I know who you are.”

The man was shocked to learn that Brueckner's ID had no restrictions on travel, even though the court should have released him due to the large amount of police around.

The police received reports about this incident and are currently monitoring the situation.

Concern arose that Brueckner left the city where his lawyers wanted him to stay after just one night, as there was "too much police" nearby.

Manager's comments from the store

Phone store manager Farouk Salah-Brahmin told 'The Sun' that he communicated with Brueckner for over an hour right after he arrived by train.

He recalled: “The suspect came in and said he wanted to buy a SIM card and a phone. He said he wanted to learn how to use WhatsApp because he had never used the app before.”

Farouk also added that Brueckner showed the pen of his lawyer, claiming it was the only way to communicate with his legal team.

“He really strangely asked me if he could buy a SIM card without an ID. This would mean that no one could track his calls.

Farouk Salah-Brahmin

Brueckner presented an ID, but it contained no information about the restrictions that should have been indicated by the court — despite prosecutors insisting on this.

Farouk stated in shock: “When he showed me his ID, I was shocked because there were no travel restrictions on it.”

“This means he can board a plane and go anywhere he wants, as he has an ID like a regular person. No one is following him.”

Situation after release

After his release, Brueckner spent his first night as a free man in Kiel, but due to a large police presence, he decided to go to a neighboring city.

Farouk noted that Brueckner knew he had to register his residence so that social services could provide him with an apartment in that city.

“He wants to get somewhere where the police won’t be following him constantly, even though he asked for protection. It’s clear that he wants to lose them to do what he wants.”

Farouk Salah-Brahmin

Brueckner has repeatedly ignored his lawyers’ advice, being spotted at a party just 48 hours after his release and also asking for free pizzas at Domino's while in a fancy dress.

Farouk concluded: “Brueckner said he wants to stay here and start a new life since he knows northern Germany well. But everyone hates him here. No one wants to see him.”

“I told friends, they are scared because everyone who has kids knows who he really is — a pedophile and a rapist.”

Farouk Salah-Brahmin

Brueckner has been a suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Madeleine since 2020, but he has never been charged in this case.

His lawyers continue to dispute all accusations, claiming the innocence of their client.

CHRONOLOGY OF THE MADELEINE CASE

May 3, 2007

Madeleine McCann disappears from her family apartment while on vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal, prompting a massive police investigation.

January 15, 2016

A neighbor reports a possible "grave" at Brueckner's abandoned factory in East Germany.

The police find disturbing images on USB drives and begin a large search.

February 16, 2016

Christian Brueckner is convicted of raping a five-year-old girl in a park after disturbing images were found on his laptop.

He is sentenced to 15 months, but at that time he was already living as a fugitive.

May 3, 2017

Around this time, Helge B reports to a hotline after watching a special about the ten-year disappearance of Madeleine.

He indicates a possible confession by Christian Brueckner.

September 27, 2018

Fugitive Christian Brueckner is arrested for outstanding drug charges in Italy. The next year he is extradited to Germany.

December 16, 2019

Christian Brueckner is convicted in Germany of raping an American woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal, after his DNA was linked to hair found on her bed.

He is sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

June 4, 2020

German prosecutors announce they have a suspect in the Madeleine McCann case.

For the first time, they claim Madeleine is dead.

German media later name him Christian B.

June 23, 2023

In his first interview, witness Helge B claims to the publication Bild that Christian Brueckner actually confessed to kidnapping Madeleine, saying “she didn’t scream” when they spoke about the case at a music festival in Spain.

February 16, 2024

Brueckner will stand trial for charges unrelated to McCann in a case of rape and sexual offenses in Brunswick, Germany.

Prosecutors hope for a verdict that will keep him behind bars indefinitely and achieve charges in the McCann case.

October 8, 2024

Brueckner was acquitted of all charges.

However, prosecutors have appealed, and the decision is still pending.

June 1, 2025

The police call for a renewed search for evidence in Praia da Luz in Algarve, Portugal, which lasts only three days.

September 17, 2025

Christian Brueckner is released from prison after serving his sentence for rape and is allowed to move freely.