A key figure linked to the disappearance case of Madeleine McCann is set to be allowed to travel internationally following a recent legal ruling in Germany.
Christian Brueckner, who had previously served a seven-year prison term for a 2005 rape in Praia da Luz, Portugal, was released from custody in September. A German court decision on Monday removed a restriction that required him to stay in Germany.
While Brueckner has not faced charges related to Madeleine’s disappearance, he is a primary suspect in both German and British investigations into the case.
Despite requests from UK authorities, Brueckner declined to cooperate with the Metropolitan Police. Reports indicated that he rejected therapy during his incarceration and a recent psychiatric evaluation suggested a potential for future criminal behavior.
Madeleine went missing in 2007 from Praia da Luz when she was three years old, a case that drew widespread attention as her parents dined nearby.
Upon his release, Brueckner was placed under several conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device for five years, maintaining contact with probation officers, disclosing his residence, and surrendering his passport.
Although the court waived the requirement for him to live in Germany, the other conditions remain in effect. Brueckner has consistently denied involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
Multiple searches have been conducted by authorities from Germany, Portugal, and the UK in connection with the case, including a recent operation near Lagos, Portugal. Investigations near the Barragem do Arade reservoir, where Brueckner had been present between 2000 and 2017, were carried out in 2023.
In a separate legal matter, Brueckner was acquitted by a German court of alleged sexual offenses in Portugal dating back to 2000-2017. The ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police, known as Operation Grange, has received over £13.2 million in funding since 2011, with additional financial support secured from the government in April.
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