A German man long considered the primary suspect in the unsolved disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been released from prison. His release stems from a prior conviction unrelated to the missing child case.
The individual had been serving a seven-year sentence for a 2005 rape conviction in Portugal. He was granted early release after outstanding fines were paid, a transaction reportedly made by a third party who was unaware the payment would facilitate his freedom. Authorities confirm that despite his release, he remains a formal suspect in the ongoing investigation.
The girl vanished in 2007 from a holiday apartment in Portugal while her family dined nearby. The case sparked an international search that has continued for years. Investigators have previously stated they believe the now-released suspect was in the area at the time and may have had access to a vehicle linked to the vicinity of the disappearance.
A former acquaintance of the suspect has publicly claimed, with certainty, that the man was involved, alleging the suspect made incriminating statements about the incident. No physical evidence or the child’s remains have been found.
The suspect’s release from custody on the separate charge is now leading to renewed scrutiny of the dormant case, with investigators emphasizing their probe remains active.
