Portuguese police have reopened the search for Madeleine McCann in the Algarve, acting on a German request, as investigators continue to pursue links to suspect Christian Brueckner.
Portuguese police have begun a new search for Madeleine McCann in the Algarve region, nearly two decades after the British child disappeared from a holiday resort in Praia da Luz. The operation, which started on June 2 and will run through June 6, was launched at the request of German authorities, according to Portugal’s Judicial Police (PJ).
In a statement issued on Monday, the PJ confirmed that it is executing a European Investigation Order on behalf of prosecutors in Braunschweig, Germany. The German city’s public prosecutor’s office formally identified German national Christian Brueckner as a suspect in the McCann case in 2022.
The current search is focused on areas between Praia da Luz and a residence where Brueckner reportedly lived at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance in 2007. According to CNN Portugal and German newspaper Bild, investigators are looking for physical evidence, potentially including the child's remains.
All evidence gathered during the search will be handed over to Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), which is working alongside Portuguese authorities. Braunschweig prosecutors told Reuters that “criminal procedural measures” were underway in Portugal but did not provide further comment.
London’s Metropolitan Police said it was aware of the operation but is not participating directly. The force noted that it would continue to “support our international colleagues where necessary.”
In 2020, German investigators stated that they believed Madeleine McCann was dead and named Brueckner—who has a history of child abuse and drug offences—as the primary suspect. He is currently serving a prison sentence in Germany for the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old woman in the same region of the Algarve. Brueckner has denied any involvement in the McCann case and has not been charged in relation to her disappearance.
This is the first major search effort since May 2023, when police combed a remote reservoir inland from the Algarve without finding any significant evidence.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secre...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as t...
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghani...
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off...
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment