German man linked to Madeleine McCann's disappearance made 'formal suspect'

21 April 2022, 21:55 | Updated: 22 April 2022, 07:46

Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007
Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007. Picture: Getty

A German man linked to Madeleine McCann's disappearance 15 years ago has been made "a formal suspect" by authorities in Portugal.

Sensational reports from Germany claimed Christian Brueckner had been made an 'arguido' or official suspect in the case.

The move to make Brueckner an 'arguido' could be linked to the upcoming 15 year anniversary of the girl's disappearance because Portugal has a 15-year limit on murder charges.

An 'arguido' - normally translated as 'named suspect' or 'formal suspect' - is someone who is treated by Portuguese police as more than a witness but has not been arrested or charged.

The Met Police are still treating Madeleine's disappearance as a missing persons inquiry.

The decision to officially designate Brueckner a suspect should allow enquiries to continue.

Friedrich Fuelscher, the lawyer for Brueckner, said: "The step taken by the Portuguese authorities should not be overrated.

Read more: Madeleine McCann case to close after 11 years and chief suspect may not be charged

"Without knowing the Portuguese legal situation in detail, I assume that this measure is a procedural artifice to stop the statute of limitations threatening in a few days."

Last month, it was reported that the Met Police's investigation into Maddie's disappearance was due to close after 11 years.

Operation Grange began four years after the three-year-old vanished in Portugal in 2007.

The Met has asked for a grant to keep the operation running to September. The case could always be reopened later if new evidence emerged.

Madeleine, from Leicester, disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on May 3 2007.

Shortly after she disappeared Kate and Gerry, from Rothley, Leicestershire, were also made arguidos in the case and questioned at length several times before they were cleared of any involvement.

Portuguese police chief Gonçalo Amaral who led the initial investigation and ordered the couple to be made official suspects was later taken off the case.

Brueckner is currently serving seven years in Oldenburg prison, northern Germany, after being convicted of raping a 72-year-old woman in 2005 in Praia da Luz.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

As the couple were arrested, Marten can be heard questioning "how is that an arrest-able offence?"

‘How is that an arrestable offence?’: Constance Marten's arrogant response as police catch her after seven weeks on the run

The first glimpse of Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter.

Harry Potter TV series filming kicks off with first glimpse of leading star - as more cast announced

Blue Stevens, 24, died after he was attacked in Seville Street, Knightsbridge, at around 9.30pm on July 9.

Three arrested after man, 24, stabbed to death 'for his Rolex' near luxury Knightsbridge hotel

Yostin Mosquera, left, denies murdering Albert Alfonso, centre.

Man accused of suitcase murders claims he was ‘raped every day’ by one of his alleged victims

England's Shoaib Bashir celebrates after the final wicket during day five of the Third Rothesay Men's Test at Lord's, London.

England beat India by 22 runs in third Test of the series

Police personnel work at the site of an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Air India rules out mechanical fault on doomed flight 171 amid investigation into pilots' 'medical records'

Aristocrat Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon have been found guilty at the Old Bailey of the manslaughter of their newborn baby.

Crocodile tears of a killer aristocrat: Moment Constance Marten is confronted over the death of newborn baby

A man accused of trying to spy for Russia has claimed he planned to “track and expose Russian agents” to assist Israel, a court has heard.

Father-of-four accused of plotting to spy for Russia claims he planned to ‘expose Russian agents'

Pc Ellie Cook fired her Taser at Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, after he and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, allegedly attacked her and two Greater Manchester Police (GMP) colleagues.

‘Not an option’ to walk away from Manchester Airport suspect - police officer tells court

Police said road crime team officers initially tried to pull over the Peugeot, which was believed to be linked to drugs, on the M5.

Cocaine smuggler jailed after police find £1 million worth of drugs in car boot following 120mph chase

A sinkhole filled with water

Sinkhole opens in London borough leading to disruption from 'large amount of flooding'

Katie Wallis arrives at Cardiff Magistrates.

Former Conservative MP who harassed ex-wife handed community order

Irish Air Corps undated handout photo of Army Ranger Wing boarding the MV Matthew as part of Ireland's largest-ever drugs haul.

Irish gangsters' drugs empire laid bare after eight men jailed following Special Forces raid on 'narco-tanker'

Gregg Wallace smiling

Gregg Wallace breaks his silence saying he is "deeply sorry" for any distress caused

Four people have died following a plane crash at Southend Airport.

Plane crashed in 'fireball' at Southend Airport after dropping off patient for medical attention

Wells Town Hall and coroners court Wells Somerset England UK GB EU Europe

Former Met detective died in fire after locking himself in bedroom, inquest told