The new suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann could be out of prison as early as next week, sources have said.

Citing a report in The Sun, the New York Post reports that a source close to the investigation told the British newspaper that Christian Brueckner, who is in prison in Germany on a drug conviction, has applied for parole and could be free in a week if the parole board approves his request.

Investigators in multiple countries have identified Breuckner, 43, as a prime suspect in the disappearance of British national Madeleine McCann, who was three years old when she vanished while on a family vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. She is believed to have been kidnapped in her sleep from a hotel room while her parents dined nearby on the resort property. As CrimeOnline previously reported, authorities appear to have evidence showing that Breuckner, who has at times been itinerant, was in Praia da Luz on the day Madeleine vanished.

The suspect has reportedly denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance, though he has a criminal history that includes the assault of a 6-year-old child. He was also convicted of raping a 72-year-old American tourist in Praia da Luz in 2005. His December conviction is now in the appeal process, according to the report.

“If the superior court decides to free him, then it will severely impact the case,” a source close to the investigation reportedly told The Sun.

“He could vanish and then we will not be able to put him on trial. We are fighting for him to be kept in court.”

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