German, Portuguese Police Renew Madeleine McCann Search Across 20 Sites

German authorities have launched a new extensive search in southern Portugal, focusing on over 20 sites near Praia da Luz, where Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007, as they race to find evidence against prime suspect Christian Brueckner. Brueckner, a convicted rapist currently imprisoned in Germany, is due for release in September and has denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance, while prosecutors aim to find grounds to keep him detained due to his dangerous history. The renewed search may have been prompted by information Brueckner disclosed while in custody and employs advanced criminological analysis combined with artificial intelligence to identify potential body dump sites. Brueckner has expressed frustration with prison life and indicated plans to flee to a country without an extradition treaty upon release, complicating efforts to bring him to justice if new evidence emerges. Despite his extensive criminal record involving sexual offences against children and adults, no formal charges related to Madeleine’s case have been filed, leaving the investigation ongoing amid global attention. British and international police continue to support the German-led inquiry, reflecting the enduring mystery surrounding the disappearance of the British toddler.