Metropolitan Police detectives are reportedly urging for the extradition of Christian Brueckner to the UK to face trial at the Old Bailey.
According to The Telegraph, a senior Scotland Yard officer is spearheading the efforts to charge the German suspect with abduction and murder in connection with the upcoming 20th anniversary of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance next year.
It is believed that investigators are working on building a compelling case that could lead the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to approve charges against the 48-year-old, who has a criminal record for sexual offenses. The main challenge lies in the German law that prohibits the extradition of its citizens to non-EU countries.
A source within Scotland Yard stated to The Telegraph, “As we approach the 20-year mark since Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, we aim to pursue extradition of the prime suspect if the evidence is substantial enough for a trial in the UK.”
A team of detectives is reportedly compiling evidence for consideration by the CPS to potentially bring charges of abduction and murder, treating the Met’s investigation as a missing persons case rather than a homicide inquiry.
Brueckner, previously convicted for the rape of an elderly woman in Portugal, was released from prison last year and is currently the primary suspect in both German and British inquiries related to Madeleine’s disappearance.
Despite being suspected in the case, Brueckner has not faced charges in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance. He was residing near the location where Madeleine vanished in 2007.
Following his release, Brueckner declined to cooperate with the Metropolitan Police’s request for an interview. He maintains his innocence regarding any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Police Commissioner, mentioned the potential extradition of Brueckner to the UK, stating that murder cases involving British individuals can sometimes be prosecuted in the UK even if committed abroad. Discussions are ongoing with German and Portuguese authorities regarding the matter.
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