New search for Madeleine McCann: Hope for clarification?

New search for Madeleine McCann: Hope for clarification?

Lagos, Portugal - Madeleine McCann, which has been missing for 18 years, remains an unsolved puzzle for the investigators. On Monday, a new search was launched in Portugal, which should continue until Friday. This measure was applied for by German authorities and focuses on the Lagos district, such as op-online . The Braunschweig public prosecutor's office confirmed that the criminal procedural measures take place in Portugal, but no details were announced on the background.

Madeline McCann disappeared from a holiday complex in Portugal on May 3, 2007 shortly before her fourth birthday. The investigators suspected that it was kidnapped and possibly murdered. In the current campaign, the Portuguese law enforcement authorities are supported by a team from the Federal Criminal Police Office. A central point of the search is the house in which the German suspect Christian B. lived.

Christian B. in focus

The 48-year-old Christian B. is a previous sexual offender from Würzburg several times. He is currently serving a prison sentence for the rape of a 72-year-old American. Although no charge in the Madeleine McCann case has been levied against him, he could be released at the latest in early 2026 at the latest because he applied for premature dismissal. The last investigation included a search two years ago, which, however, did not bring any new knowledge.

In addition, it is noteworthy that despite the continued interest of German authorities, the public interest in Portugal has decreased in the investigation of the case. Many residents no longer want to talk about the case and there is a certain tiredness among the population who has got used to the years of speculation and reports. Experts also express skepticism about the opportunities to successfully clarify the case, as well as the A look at the crime statistics

To understand the context, it is helpful to look at general crime statistics in Europe. According to data from Eurostat , the public interest in crime cases is often shaped by temporary peaks that fluctuate depending on media reporting. This phenomenon could also have influenced the perception of the Madeleine McCann case, since attention has subsided over the years.

The new search could help to gain fresh knowledge. However, the investigators and the public are steamed in their hope of finally clarifying the tragic case. It remains to be seen whether the measures in Portugal will lead to new progress.