The German police are starting a new search operation in Portugal this week as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The search is reportedly taking place in Praia da Luz, the town where Maddie disappeared eighteen years ago.
It is the first search for Madeleine or Maddie McCann in two years. The last search took place at a reservoir, forty minutes away from where the girl was last seen.
Maddie has been missing since 2007. The then three-year-old British girl was on vacation with her family in the Portuguese Algarve. It is still unclear what happened to her.
The main suspect in the case is 48-year-old German Christian Brückner. German justice believes he is responsible for Maddie’s death, but has never charged him. Brückner denies having anything to do with the case.
Brückner lived in Praia da Luz at the time of Maddie’s disappearance. According to foreign media, including the German BILD, the search will focus on the area between the resort where Maddie stayed with her family and the house where Brückner lived at the time.
Main suspect is currently in custody for rape
Last month, a documentary by the British Channel 4 revealed that the German judiciary would have a file containing evidence of Brückner’s involvement in Maddie’s disappearance and death. Justice has not confirmed this.
Brückner is currently in prison for the rape of a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz in 2005. He will remain in custody until at least September.
In October, the German was acquitted in a number of other abuse cases. Brückner stood trial for three rapes and two cases of sexual abuse of children. According to the court, insufficient evidence had been provided that he was guilty.