Christian Brueckner to be released: what is known about the main suspect in the McCann case.

According to The Sun: When Christian Brueckner is released - likely next week - he will become one of the most 'wanted' men in the world, as well as one of the most protected.

Over the past 12 months, while working on the Madeleine McCann case, I have realized the danger that Brueckner poses. His lenient release from prison could mean that the main suspect in Maddie's disappearance escapes justice forever.

After seven years of imprisonment in Germany for armed robbery, Brueckner is set to be released in the coming weeks.

However, German laws allow this convicted pedophile to receive many benefits upon release that would not be acceptable in the United Kingdom.

I participated in The Sun's documentary 'Madeleine McCann: Inside Secret Testimonies', which revealed many circumstances related to Brueckner at his abandoned shelter in Portugal.

After observing Brueckner, I can’t imagine anything worse than his release into freedom.

Review of release conditions

It’s hard to believe, but despite the initial travel ban, he will eventually be able to travel across Europe as long as he checks in with a probation officer once a week, regarding himself as 'under control'.

He may even be ESCORTED from prison to a secure location by secret agents responsible for his safety.

Officials fear accusations of failing to protect him from attacks, which is why rumors about his early release are actively discussed in German legal circles.

Currently, prosecutors are trying to take special measures to control his release due to fears that he may harm someone on the outside.

‘The system there is crazy – it seems to be on the side of rapists and pedophiles.’

Source close to the case

Experts estimate that the former prosecutor hoped to bring criminal charges before Brueckner's release date – five years after he was first named a formal suspect in 2020, but the lack of evidence directly linking him to the case means he will soon be free.

A source close to the case states: ‘Brueckner's release is a nightmare for justice on many levels.’

‘Firstly, it’s a shame that they failed to keep him behind bars.

‘Secondly, there is a fear that he will reoffend - experts are sure of this.

‘Chiefly, there is caution that he may disappear without providing answers to questions related to Madeleine McCann. They suspect he may be the only one who knows what happened.’

Release of the monster

Although a curfew, controls, and restrictions could have been implemented in the United Kingdom, this seems unlikely in Brueckner's case.

The German legal system clearly protects individual rights, thus there is a high probability that the court will reject any requests for imposing conditions.

One of the court hearings regarding his electronic bracelet has already been canceled due to concerns for Brueckner's safety, despite the fact that he poses a threat to society.

‘Paradoxically, officials also worry that something might happen to Brueckner - and they could face accusations for failing to ensure his safety.’

Source close to the case

In Brueckner's case, his notoriety in Germany is likely to attract the Federal Criminal Police of Germany (BKA) to discussions.

Upon his release, Brueckner’s defense, according to German laws, will have state protection.

There are suspicions that the BKA will bear responsibility for Brueckner's safe release from prison.

In practice, this could mean that Brueckner will be 'extracted' from JVA Sendhe prison, where he is currently located.

During his trial last year, Brueckner was repeatedly transported to court hearings accompanied by BKA in police cars.

At the end of the release procedure, Brueckner will receive all his personal belongings, as well as new items likely prepared by his lawyer after seven years behind bars.

Later, he will be given up to £200 in state funds for 're-entry', but no more since he refused to work while imprisoned due to safety concerns.

After his safe release, Brueckner will transition to probation control, although the level of control will be considerably lower than in the United Kingdom.

He can relax on the beaches of Spain, and as long as he calls his probation officer once a week, he will be considered 'under control'.

Such conditions raise concerns among those affected by his actions. Hazel Behan, an Irish woman who testified in court that Brueckner tortured and raped her using a weapon in 2004, believes that his release is 'shocking'.

She said: 'It's absolutely irresponsible - to release this man into freedom.

‘Giving him the freedom to travel across Europe is terrifying. How can they expect to control him? What about his victims?

‘That means he could come to Ireland. Imagine the painful feeling of knowing that this rapist can go anywhere and do anything.'

Brueckner is likely to remain under the supervision of the probation service.

It is possible that law enforcement agencies in the BKA will continue to monitor him as part of the investigation into the Madeleine case.

Brueckner's special reputation may require local police involvement in monitoring due to growing fears of potential attacks against him.

If no agreement is reached with prosecutors, he will not receive a protected home, a new identity, or witness protection, although such a possibility seems unlikely.

Timeline of Maddie's disappearance

May 3, 2007

Maddie McCann disappears from her family's hotel in Praia da Luz, Portugal, prompting a massive police investigation and becoming one of the most famous missing persons cases in history.

January 15, 2016

A neighbor reports a possible 'grave' at Brueckner's abandoned factory in East Germany. Police find disturbing images on USB drives and launch a full-scale investigation.

February 16, 2016

Christian Brueckner is convicted of raping a five-year-old girl in a park after disturbing images are found on his laptop. He receives 15 months in prison but had already fled by that time.

May 3, 2017

Around this time, Helge B. calls an information hotline after watching a ten-year special release about the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. He reports a possible confession from Christian Brueckner.

September 27, 2018

Christian Brueckner, wanted by law enforcement, is arrested for unfulfilled drug charges in Italy. He is extradited to Germany the following year.

December 16, 2019

Christian Brueckner is convicted in Germany for raping an American woman in Praia da Luz in 2005 after his DNA matched hair found on her bed. He receives a seven-year prison sentence.

June 4, 2020

German prosecutors publicly name a suspect in the investigation into Madeleine McCann's disappearance for the first time. They claim that Madeleine is dead. German media later refer to him as Christian B.

June 23, 2023

In his first interview, witness Helge B. claims in Bild that Christian Brueckner effectively confessed to the disappearance of Madeleine, allegedly saying: 'She didn't scream' during a conversation at a music festival in Spain.

February 16, 2024

Brueckner stands trial for out-of-court charges of rape and sexual violence in Braunschweig, Germany. Prosecutors hope for a conviction to keep him behind bars forever and bring charges in the McCann case.

October 8, 2024

Brueckner is acquitted of all charges. However, prosecutors appeal, the decision of which is still pending.

September 17, 2025

Date when Christian Brueckner will be released from custody without further action.

June 1, 2025

Police order a renewed investigation in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal. It lasts only three days.

According to the conditions of his release, Brueckner will initially not be able to leave the country - this means that barriers will be placed at borders to prevent his departure from the country.

However, in a few weeks these restrictions will likely be lifted.

After that, he will be able to travel across Europe, but will have to report weekly to his probation officer.

Brueckner, whom judicial psychiatrists have described as a psychopath and one of the 'most dangerous' people in society, will almost certainly receive psychiatric services and counseling for adjustment.

But he has already stated: 'There is nothing wrong with me' and believes that rehabilitation is unnecessary.

What happens next depends only on his choice.