Christian Brueckner, the German man identified as the prime suspect in the disappearance of British child Madeleine McCann, is reportedly preparing to write a book claiming his innocence. Brueckner, 49, who has a criminal history that includes a conviction for raping a 72-year-old woman, is said to have already engaged a professional writer to assist with the project, which he intends to publish in both German and English.

Brueckner was released from prison on September 17, 2025, after serving a seven-year sentence for the 2019 conviction related to the 2005 rape case. Since his release, he has faced significant social ostracism, reportedly moving multiple times after locals objected to his presence in their communities. Unable to secure employment, sources indicate he views the book as a means of generating income, as well as an opportunity to set forth his version of events.

German law permits criminals to profit from such publications, unlike regulations in the United Kingdom that prohibit benefiting from crimes. This disparity has drawn criticism from various quarters. Kevin Moore, a retired British detective, expressed disdain for the proposed book, calling Brueckner "a particularly unpleasant individual" and questioning the public’s interest in purchasing his account. A co-leader of the group Victim Protection Before Perpetrator Protection described the plan as a "disgrace," arguing that it would exacerbate the pain of Madeleine’s family and other victims connected to Brueckner’s criminal actions.

Brueckner was named as the main suspect by German prosecutors in June 2020 in connection with the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007 when she was three years old. At the time, Brueckner was reportedly living nearby in a farmhouse. Although he has never been formally charged in the case, British authorities, including the Metropolitan Police, are seeking his extradition to the UK on allegations of abduction and murder.

However, post-Brexit legal challenges complicate such efforts. German constitutional protections prevent the extradition of German nationals to countries outside the European Union, hindering UK attempts to bring Brueckner to trial. Throughout the ongoing investigation, Brueckner has consistently denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance. His legal representatives have described him as a "scapegoat," asserting that he is being unfairly targeted by investigators.