British authorities have traveled discreetly to Portugal to interrogate acquaintances of Christian Brueckner, the main suspect in the Madeleine McCann case. The individuals in question, Elke Piro and her husband Bernhard, who housed Brueckner shortly before Madeleine’s disappearance in 2007, were extensively questioned in Faro by the Metropolitan Police.
Brueckner, previously convicted of sexual offenses, has been relocated within Germany after completing a prison sentence for assaulting an elderly woman in the same area where Madeleine vanished. Elke, a German national, firmly believes that Brueckner was involved in Madeleine’s disappearance and expressed her willingness to assist authorities in bringing him to trial in the UK.
Elke, having known Brueckner for years, speculates that he may have encountered Madeleine while searching for valuables in her parents’ residence, leading to a tragic event followed by panic. She regrets ever associating with Brueckner after learning of his criminal past.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley hinted at the possibility of extraditing Brueckner to the UK if new evidence emerges in the Madeleine McCann case. Operation Grange, the Met’s ongoing investigation, has intensified following the lack of progress in the long-running German inquiry.
The Sun reported that British detectives collaborated with Portuguese authorities to question the Piros as witnesses. The couple’s association with Brueckner dates back to 1995, culminating in regular contact until 2018. This is not the first time they have been interviewed by law enforcement, having been previously approached by German and Portuguese investigators.
Bernhard described Brueckner as a “classic sociopath” and expressed remorse for accommodating him in their home near Praia da Luz. Elke noted Brueckner’s dual nature, describing him as both gentle and kind, yet prone to erratic and alcohol-fueled behavior.
The Mirror has sought additional comments from the Metropolitan Police regarding this matter.