German police begin new search for missing Madeleine McCann in Portugal

In June 2025, authorities in Portugal commenced a new phase of searches for the missing British toddler Madeleine McCann, who vanished from Praia da Luz in 2007. These fresh searches have been instigated by requests from German police, who have identified Christian Brueckner as a key suspect in the case. Brueckner, currently serving a prison sentence in Germany for a separate crime, has denied any involvement regarding the child's disappearance and has yet to be charged in connection with the case. This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to uncover new evidence related to the circumstances of her disappearance, 18 years after the incident. The search focuses on a specific area between Praia da Luz, where Madeleine was last seen, and a local residence linked to Brueckner. This operation is part of an extensive investigation involving collaboration between the German police and their counterparts from the UK and Portugal. Since her disappearance on May 3, 2007, the case has garnered significant media attention and public interest worldwide, prompting numerous searches and investigations throughout the years. The case remains unsolved, with authorities determined to explore any leads that might finally reveal the truth about what happened that fateful night. Madeleine's disappearance occurred during a family holiday when her parents left her sleeping in their rental apartment while dining with friends nearby. The media spotlight has ebbed and flowed over the years, with various developments including false sightings, claims, and legal cases surrounding Brueckner’s history. Despite these efforts, there has not been a breakthrough, and authorities have stated that they are committed to leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice for the McCann family. Concurrently, the Metropolitan Police in the UK have acknowledged the ongoing investigations, stating they remain supportive of international efforts to resolve the case. The search comes two years since the last extensive effort to find evidence, which was focused on a dam in the Algarve region. The long path of this investigation is not only a hunt for answers but also a poignant reminder for the family and the public alike of the tragic uncertainty that has enveloped the McCann family for nearly two decades.