Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner 'plans tell-all book' claiming innocence to earn seven-figure sum

From the Newshound archive · first published 20 September 2026.

Christian Brueckner, 49, the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's 2007 disappearance, has started work on a memoir intended to earn him a seven-figure sum and is looking for a professional co-author. According to reports, Brueckner admitted to being no more than 150 yards from the family's holiday apartment on the night Madeleine vanished — where he was selling smuggled drugs on the beach. He has never faced charges over her disappearance and maintains his innocence.

Brueckner, living on state benefits after failing to find work since his release from prison for rape, reportedly sees the book as a 'financial lifeline'.

Retired detective Kevin Moore called the project 'abhorrent', saying: 'I won't be buying it and one would hope the public won't want to buy it.'

In Germany, unlike Britain, courts cannot easily seize royalties from criminals profiting from memoirs about their crimes.