New funding for the Maddie investigation: A glimmer of hope?

New funding for the Maddie investigation: A glimmer of hope?

The investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann is receiving new financial support in Great Britain. How vienna.at reported, an additional 108,000 pounds (equivalent to around 126,141.70 euros) will flow into the so-called “Operation Grange” for this year and next. This case has attracted widespread media attention around the world since Madeleine disappeared in May 2007 while on holiday in Portugal.

Since the investigation began, over £13.2 million has been invested in the search. Chief investigator Mark Cranwell emphasizes that the support for Madeleine's family is of great importance. In recent years, the focus has been increasingly on the German sex offender Christian B., who is suspected of having murdered the girl. He is currently in prison in Germany for the rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Praia da Luz.

The status of the investigation

Although Christian B. is considered the main suspect, there are currently no charges against him in the Madeleine McCann case. The presumption of innocence still applies and the case remains of great public interest as the circumstances of Madeleine's disappearance remain unclear.

The investigation into the Madeleine McCann case is a warning example of the complexity and challenges of dealing with missing person cases. In Germany, such support in processing such cases is provided by, among others, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). The BKA, which was founded in 1951, is tasked with searching for missing people and supporting people in need of help.

Missing persons cases in Germany

A person is considered missing in Germany if they are inexplicably absent from their whereabouts and a risk to life or limb is assumed. This is particularly true for minors, whose protection is paramount. Missing minors are generally considered to be in danger, which means that they are taken into state care until they can be returned to their guardians.

The BKA records missing people in the police information system (INPOL) in order to enable a comprehensive search. In 2025, around 9,420 missing person cases were registered in Germany. 200 to 300 new searches are initiated every day, with around 50% of cases being resolved within the first week. Particular attention is also paid to unaccompanied minor refugees, around 4,300 of whom were reported missing in 2024.

The case of Madeleine McCann remains an example of the fear and unease associated with the search for missing people and demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and substantial financial commitment to solving such tragic cases.