Police reopen search for Madeleine McCann near home of main suspect in Portugal

Police in Portugal and Germany have launched a new search near the former home of Christian Brueckner, the main suspect in Madeleine McCann’s 2007 disappearance, aiming to uncover fresh evidence or remains.

Madeleine McCann was just three years old when she vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. Her disappearance quickly became one of the most widely known missing child cases in the world, sparking global headlines, documentaries, and years of investigations.

Now, more than 18 years later, authorities have returned to Portugal for a new search near land once linked to Christian Brueckner, a convicted sex offender who lived in the area around the time Madeleine went missing.

The operation, which began on June 3, is taking place between Praia da Luz and a nearby property Brueckner once rented. White tents and police tape now mark the scene where forensic teams are digging for answers — and possibly, Madeleine’s remains.

Focused and painful mission

According to local reports, the search is being led by around 30 German officers working alongside Portuguese police. A source close to the case said plainly, “The main objective is to look for any signs of Madeleine’s body.”

Mark Williams-Thomas, a former British detective who has closely followed the case, posted about the search on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the police are targeting areas near Brueckner’s former cottage. He said the new effort is focused solely on land — no underwater or building searches are planned.

While Williams-Thomas expressed doubt that anything would be found, he noted the significance of the location. Brueckner was last seen at the property about 10 months before Madeleine disappeared.

This is the first major search in Portugal in over two years. In 2023, police explored the Arade Dam — a remote location once described as Brueckner’s “little paradise” — but found no evidence.

Who is Christian Brueckner?

Christian Brueckner, 48, is currently in a German prison, serving time for raping a woman in Praia da Luz in 2005. Although he denies any role in Madeleine’s disappearance, he has been the official suspect since 2020.

German prosecutors have stated they believe he’s responsible, but no charges related to the McCann case have been filed.

Brueckner was recently acquitted in a separate sex crime case and could be released from prison as early as September. This has raised concerns that he might flee before any formal charges are brought.

A family still waiting

Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, continue to hold onto hope. The latest search comes just weeks after the 18th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance and what would have been her 22nd birthday.

In a heartfelt message shared online, they wrote: “No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day. We continue to ‘celebrate’ her as the very beautiful and unique person she is. We miss her.”

The Metropolitan Police in the UK have said they are not directly involved in the new search but are offering support to German and Portuguese investigators. Unless new evidence is found, the search is expected to last about three days.

This renewed effort may bring answers — or yet another painful chapter in a long, heartbreaking mystery. As investigators dig through the Portuguese countryside once again, the world watches, hoping that this time, the search will lead to the truth.

“We miss her.” Those three words from Madeleine’s parents capture what millions feel — the desire for answers, justice, and peace. Whether this new search delivers closure or not, it’s a reminder that the world has not forgotten the little girl with the bright smile.