Madeleine McCann Prime Suspect Says He Was 150 Yards From Resort The Night She Vanished

Christian Brueckner, identified by German prosecutors as the prime suspect in the 2007 disappearance of three‑year‑old Madeleine McCann, has told a newspaper he was about 150 yards from the family’s holiday apartment the night she went missing.

Brueckner, a German national with multiple criminal convictions including rape, told the Mail on Sunday that he was "selling drugs" on a beach near Praia da Luz and described being stopped several times by police who were searching the area that night. He said his vehicle was carrying a large quantity of cannabis and that he made a "quick getaway" when officers and checkpoints appeared.

What He Says

In his account, Brueckner insisted he had no involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance and suggested he remained silent previously because he believed authorities wanted to "frame" him. He told the paper: "I have nothing to do with the little girl's disappearance. I would be happy if Maddie turned up tomorrow... then everyone would immediately understand that everything against me is and was staged."

Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 while Brueckner was in the vicinity of her apartment

"I was on the beach, not far from Maddie's hotel, selling drugs... My van was full of them. I was making a quick getaway; there were flashing blue lights and checkpoints everywhere. I just thought, 'Get me out of here'."

Official Context

German prosecutors named Brueckner as the prime suspect in 2020, saying they had "concrete evidence" but not enough to secure a conviction. Investigators have said a mobile phone registered to Brueckner was traced near the McCanns' holiday accommodation on the evening Madeleine vanished in May 2007. Until this interview, Brueckner had not publicly detailed his movements that night.

Brueckner was released from a German prison in September after serving six years for the rape of a 72‑year‑old U.S. tourist. His criminal record includes convictions for rape and offences such as theft, drug trafficking, assault and sexual abuse of minors.

Investigation Status

Metropolitan Police detectives continue to pursue extradition and remain in close contact with German and Portuguese colleagues. A Met spokesman said officers "will continue to pursue any viable lines of inquiry." There has been no charge in the UK linked to Brueckner over Madeleine’s disappearance.

Other Notes

Press reports say Brueckner hopes to publish a memoir in German and English; he has reportedly suggested it could earn substantial money, though industry observers expect any advance to be considerably smaller.