The evidence against the suspect has been described as ‘strong’

It’s been 18 years since Madeleine McCann vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Over the years, the case has evolved from a local mystery to one of the most high-profile and baffling cases in modern history. Despite countless theories and investigations in the Madeleine McCann case, one suspect has repeatedly surfaced: Christian Brueckner. The German national has been linked to Madeleine’s disappearance since 2020, though he has never been formally charged and denies any involvement. Here’s a roundup of the unsettling evidence that has linked him to the Madeleine McCann case so far.

Living near the resort at the time

via Channel 4

In 2007, when Madeleine disappeared, Christian Brueckner was living in a camper van near the McCann family’s apartment in Praia da Luz. He was also driving a Jaguar with German plates. Records show that the vehicle was re-registered in someone else’s name just a day after Madeleine’s disappearance. Additionally, phone records show that Brueckner received a half-hour phone call the night Madeleine vanished. It ended about an hour before she was reported missing.

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The burglary kit

In an interview with The Sun, Helge B, a former acquaintance of Brueckner, claimed he once found a lock-picking kit at Brueckner’s property, along with other suspicious items like stolen passports and tourist gear. Brueckner allegedly boasted about using these tools to break into holiday apartments, though not for abductions—rather, for robbing tourists. The McCanns were staying in a ground-floor apartment, which could have been accessed easily through a door or window, making it a potential target for theft.

via Channel 4

This same acquaintance later told police he believed Brueckner used these tools to break into apartment 5A, where Madeleine had been sleeping the night she disappeared.

The creepy comment at a music festival

In 2008, a year after Madeleine went missing, Brueckner attended a music festival in Spain. During a conversation with Brueckner about the McCann case, Helge B remarked on how strange it was that a child could just disappear. According to him, Brueckner allegedly responded, “Well, she didn’t scream.” Helge B described his reaction as shocked, and he left the festival immediately afterward. The unsettling comment has stayed with him ever since.

Disturbing images and fantasies

via Channel 4

In a later investigation, police searched a site in Germany connected to Brueckner. There, they found USB drives and memory cards buried under his dead dog in what’s been described as a secret hideout. The drives contained thousands of child abuse images, as well as photos of children’s clothing and toys. Perhaps most chilling were written fantasies involving young girls. These discoveries were made in an abandoned box factory, a place where Brueckner had once lived. The factory and its contents have since been central to police investigations into his potential involvement in Madeleine’s case.

Photos of the Barragem do Arade reservoir

One of the more recent leads connected Brueckner to the Barragem do Arade reservoir, located around 30 miles from where Madeleine disappeared. Brueckner had allegedly referred to the location as “his little paradise.” Photos of the reservoir were also found among his possessions. In 2023, police conducted a search of the area, though nothing was confirmed. Investigators were seen combing the site for potential items of interest, such as clothing or rags that might have been linked to what Madeleine was wearing the night she vanished.

A grim criminal history

Christian Brueckner’s criminal history is deeply troubling and spans several years. Two years before Madeleine went missing, Brueckner was convicted of raping a 72-year-old woman in the same town of Praia da Luz. He served a sentence for this crime and was convicted in 2019. In addition, Brueckner has been imprisoned for drug offences and possession of child abuse images. He has also been linked to the disappearances of other children, although he has not been charged in those cases.

The German prosecutor’s statement

German prosecutors have repeatedly stated that they believe Madeleine McCann is no longer alive. They have also stated that Christian Brueckner is responsible for her death. However, despite this, no formal charges have been brought in the case.

The evidence against Brueckner has been described as “strong” by German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters. Although, without a body, it remains difficult to prove. Brueckner continues to deny any involvement, insisting that he had nothing to do with Madeleine’s disappearance.