The Madeleine McCann case is closed after 11 years – here’s why

After 11 years, a fund of £ 13 million, a prime suspect and zero convictions, the special investigation into the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann should be brought to an end.

After 11 years, the special police investigation into the disappearance of British child Madeleine McCann during her holiday in Portugal should be brought to an end.

Known as Operation Grange, the Metropolitan Police probe was launched four years after it went missing in 2007 and was designed to cooperate with fellow investigators in Europe.

Speaking to Sun, a source said: “There are currently no plans to continue the investigation.

“The end of the road for Operation Grange is now in sight. The team’s work is expected to be completed in the fall.

The decision to conduct the investigation has raised the question of whether or not the main suspect in the case is charged with the girl’s disappearance.

Who is the main suspect in the Madeleine McCann investigation?

German police have named their main suspect as 45-year-old Christian Brueckner, who is currently in jail for separate crimes.

German prosecutors say they have “concrete” evidence against him and are the only suspects currently serving a prison sentence for raping an American woman in 2005.

Brueckner was named as the main suspect after phone records showed him missing at the Portuguese resort during the night on Madeleine.

He accused the prosecutor of making “scandalous” claims against him, saying they brought “shame” to the German legal system.

Why does the Madeleine McCann case end?

The budget for the investigation is due to expire at the end of March, despite former Met Police Chief Cressida Dick saying the operation would only stop once every lead had been investigated.

In recent years, the size of the team working on Operation Grange has dropped from 40 officers to just four.

According to Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, the investigation is estimated to have cost around £ 13 million.

The investigation was spearheaded by German and Portuguese authorities, with police and support.

A request for more money would be sent to the Interior Ministry, which would take the operation to the end of September.

Could Madeleine McCann’s case be reopened?

Yes, if there was a further breakthrough, the case would be reopened – though detectives have not been actively investigating in the meantime.

Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, promised they would never stop looking for their daughter and could look to use the specially created fund – Madeleine’s Fund: Leave No Stone Unturned – which currently has over £ 900,000 available has.