Christian Brückner, Suspect in Madeleine McCann Case, Released from German Prison

Sat Oct 18 2025 13:25:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Christian Brückner, the prime suspect in the case of missing British toddler Madeleine McCann, has been released from a German prison where he served time for an unrelated crime. Despite being linked to McCann's disappearance, he has not been charged in connection with the case.

The release of Christian Brückner from a German prison has reignited discussions surrounding the unsolved disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Brückner was convicted of a different offense and is still considered a suspect in the case, although he has denied any involvement. Following his release, he will be monitored under strict probation conditions.

The prime suspect in the high-profile case of Madeleine McCann's disappearance has been released from prison in Germany, where he has been serving a sentence for an unrelated offence.

Christian Brückner was driven out in a black Audi by his lawyer with a police escort shortly after 09:00 local time (07:00 GMT). Brückner wasn't visible in the car but police confirmed he had left Sehnde prison.

He had been convicted of raping a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2005, and will be fitted with an ankle tag after his release from the prison near the northern city of Hanover.

The German national, 48, has never been charged with any crime in relation to the McCann case. He denies any involvement.

Local police spokesman Lars Dehnert told the BBC: We said before that we wanted this to happen as smoothly as possible, adding that Brückner would be escorted for a short distance.

One of Brückner's lawyers, Philipp Marquort, commented that he is relieved to be free. All the drama of today has gone, he stated, mentioning that Brückner needs time to settle down before his next court appearance.

In the UK, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed that Brückner remains a suspect and the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance is ongoing. Madeleine went missing in May 2007 when she was just three years old.

While German prosecutors have pointed to various pieces of evidence suggesting Brückner's involvement, they have yet to find strong enough evidence to bring charges.

Brückner's release comes with strict conditions, including wearing an electronic ankle monitor for five years and regular check-ins with a probation officer.