Met Police ‘seek trial’ for Madeleine McCann suspect
Metropolitan Police bosses are reportedly pushing for the sex offender suspected of the kidnap and murder of Madeleine McCann to be brought to the UK to stand trial.
German rapist and pedophile Christian Brueckner was named as the prime suspect in her disappearance, but did not face any charges in the UK or abroad in connection with the case.
According to reports TelegramSenior officers are pushing to see Brueckner charged before the 20th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance next year.
Although Madeleine’s case is officially a missing persons investigation, a small team of officers are building an evidence file for the CPS into the suspected abduction and murder, the newspaper reports. However, police may have difficulty bringing the suspect to the UK because the German constitution prevents the extradition of citizens to non-EU countries.
Article 16 of the German constitution means Britain could face a diplomatic and legal battle if the Met tries to bring Brueckner to England.
When three-year-old Madeleine disappeared in 2007, Brueckner was living about a mile from where the McCanns were staying at the Praia da Luz hotel. It was stated that Brueckner was convicted of a number of sexual crimes, including child sexual abuse and the rape of a 72-year-old American woman, and was released from prison in 2025.
His name first emerged in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance in 2013, but he has so far not been charged with any charges in connection with the case.
Nick Vamos, CPS head of extradition, said: Telegram: “Germany participates in the EU-wide streamlined extradition arrangements agreed with the UK after Brexit. However, Germany is one of 10 EU countries that have chosen to impose a ‘citizenship cap’ and refuse to extradite their own citizens. This is a constitutional bar under German law, so it cannot be removed or waived no matter how serious the crime or how strong the evidence.”
“Brueckner could still be extradited to the UK if he leaves Germany, or to Portugal if the authorities there choose to prosecute him. It would be open to the Met Police to share evidence with the Portuguese for this purpose.”
It came as Madeleine’s family marked the 19th anniversary of her disappearance at the weekend.
In a post Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook pageThey wrote: “19 years. The search continues to find our Madeleine, to achieve justice, to make the world a little safer.
“We are so grateful for all the support from friends and family, from people we know and those we don’t know, and to the police and authorities for their continued determination and efforts. Thank you. We will give up 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 for Madeleine, whom we love and miss every day.”
A force spokesman said: “The Met’s investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been active since 2011. A special team continues to examine the events at Praia da Luz on the evening of 3 May 2007, while supporting and updating Madeleine’s family.
“As part of ongoing investigations, we maintain close working discussions with our police colleagues in Germany and Portugal. We will continue to pursue all applicable avenues of investigation.”
