Madeleine McCann’s parents break silence after major investigation breakthrough
Following a major breakthrough in the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Kate and Gerry McCann have broken their silence. The pair issued a statement on Friday after Portuguese prosecutors said a man had been formally identified as a suspect in the case of the missing toddler. Kate and Gerry McCann said even though the “possibility may be slim” they still have hopes that they will see Madeleine again as the probe continues. The Sun reports. Watch the latest News on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus “We welcome the news that the Portuguese authorities have declared a German man an ‘arguido’ (formal suspect) in relation to the disappearance of our beloved daughter Madeleine.” the statement read. “This reflects progress in the investigation. being conducted by the Portuguese. German and British authorities.” “We are kept informed of developments by the (London) Metropolitan Police. “It is important to note the ‘arguido’ has not yet been charged with any specific crime related to Madeleine’s disappearance. “Even though the possibility may be slim. we have not given up hope that Madeleine is still alive. and we will be reunited with her.” German police said in June 2020 that Madeleine was assumed dead and that convicted child abuser and drug trader Christian Brueckner was potentially responsible for it. Brueckner has not been charged in relation to McCann. Jim Gamble worked the case when it was in its infancy and on Friday told Sunrise the development could mean charges are imminent but it wasn’t a guarantee. “(Naming him as a suspect) might mean that within days he is charged because we are coming up to the 15th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance and there are issues in Portugal with Portuguese law about statutes of limitation.” he said. “So. I think this is positive. “Don’t rule out the importance of the level of confidence that the German police have shown in this. “The German prosecutor has been extremely confident from a very early stage. And the nature of the law in Germany is that they can’t really say too much because if they do. they have to share it then with the accused. “So. they’ve held whatever the key information they have close to their chest up until this point. It’s really interesting that the Portuguese have now re engaged. “I think we have to hold our breath and wait and see. But him being named a person of interest at this person of time is extremely significant.” Brueckner has denied being involved in the disappearance of McCann. Prosecutors said the investigation has been carried out with cooperation from British and German authorities. Brueckner lived in the Algarve between 1995 and 2007 and burgled hotels and holiday flats. according to court documents seen by Reuters in 2020. He also falsified passports and was caught stealing diesel from a Portuguese harbour. Portugal’s Judiciary Police handed over documents with hundreds of names related to Madeleine’s case. including Christian Brueckner to British authorities in 2012. according to the force. German police received their first tip off linking Brueckner to Madeleine’s case in 2013. The reasons that led Portuguese prosecutors to identify a suspect now are not clear. but it could be related to Portugal’s 15 year statute of limitations for crimes with a maximum prison sentence of 10 years or more. May 3 will mark 15 years since Madeleine disappeared. with Associated Press
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