Madeleine McCann suspect boasts about solving 'the scandal of the century' during public outing, reports say
German suspect Christian Brueckner, linked to McCann's 2007 disappearance, is described in tabloid reports as claiming he could end the case after his release.
Christian Brueckner, the German convict long named by authorities as the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's 2007 disappearance, has been accused of boasting that he could solve the "scandal of the century" as he shopped for a £90 mobile phone. Brueckner, released last week at the end of an unrelated rape sentence, was seen wearing a long synthetic beard during the public outing, according to reports cited by The Sun.
According to staff cited by The Sun, Brueckner told the shop he held information and evidence that could bring the case to a close and end all accusations against him. He reportedly said he could provide a solution and referenced USB sticks, according to the newspaper. The man did not answer questions about Madeleine's disappearance while in custody or since.
The claims come as Brueckner, described by authorities as Madeleine McCann's prime suspect for years, was reported to have been wandering through a takeaway restaurant with a visible disguise. A pizza worker told the Mirror that his identity was clear when Brueckner entered the shop around 9 p.m. on Friday, noting the beard was long and synthetic rather than hair. The worker said Brueckner remained recognizable despite the disguise.
Brueckner was named as Madeleine's prime suspect in 2020, with Portuguese officials having seized his Volkswagen camper van the year prior. The suspect has consistently maintained he was not involved in Madeleine's disappearance and no charges relating to the toddler have been filed. Last week he said he was homeless and staying in emergency accommodation in Neumünster, about 40 miles north of Hamburg. His lawyer has publicly acknowledged concerns over his client's sex offenses and rape convictions, underscoring the ongoing complications surrounding the case.
Authorities have continued to monitor the case, but no new charges have been filed. The McCann case remains unresolved, with investigators emphasizing that Brueckner's statements reported in tabloid coverage do not constitute substantiated evidence in a court of law.