Introduction
Nearly two decades after Madeleine McCann case disappeared during a family holiday in Portugal, authorities have launched a new police search near Praia da Luz. German and Portuguese police are working together on this renewed effort, which could provide fresh clues in one of the most high-profile missing child cases of modern times.
New Search Underway in Lagos, Portugal
This latest search began on 2 June 2025 and is expected to continue through 6 June. The operation focuses on the municipality of Lagos, adjacent to Praia da Luz—the resort town where Madeleine McCann vanished on the night of 3 May 2007.
Police are targeting 21 designated plots between the Ocean Club resort, where the McCanns were staying, and a former residence linked to the primary suspect in the case, Christian Brückner. Portuguese authorities are executing search warrants requested by German prosecutors, who have led the investigation since identifying Brückner as a suspect in 2020 Madeleine McCann case.
Who Is Christian Brückner?
Christian Brückner, a 48-year-old German national, is currently imprisoned in Germany for the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old tourist in Portugal. Though German authorities suspect him in Madeleine’s disappearance, they have yet to gather sufficient evidence to bring charges.
Brückner, who lived intermittently in the Algarve between 2000 and 2017, has denied any involvement in the case. In 2023, investigators searched a remote dam area linked to Brückner, where he was known to have taken photos and videos. Reports also indicate he may have worked as a handyman at the Ocean Club and his mobile phone was traced to the vicinity on the night Madeleine vanished.
Key Details of the New Operation
- The search is supported by German police (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA), Portuguese authorities, and observed by the UK’s Metropolitan Police.
- Roads have been closed around the search zone, indicating a large-scale investigation.
- Evidence collected will be handed over to German prosecutors, who continue their probe.
The renewed focus underscores a long-standing collaboration between international law enforcement agencies. Though no charges have yet been filed, the investigation remains active and high-priority.
Public Reaction and Parental Resolve
Kate and Gerry McCann recently marked the 18th anniversary of their daughter’s disappearance, reaffirming their “determination to leave no stone unturned.” The British public continues to follow the story closely, with renewed hope that fresh evidence may finally offer closure.
For official updates, the public can visit the Find Madeleine campaign site.
Conclusion
As authorities return to Praia da Luz nearly 18 years later, the world watches with cautious optimism. Whether this new search will provide conclusive leads remains uncertain, but it reflects ongoing dedication to solving the Madeleine McCann case. For the McCann family and the broader public, the quest for truth continues.
Related Article: High-Profile Unsolved Cases in Europe