Madeleine McCann abduction suspect named

{O/C} To Portugal, where the person who apparently nabbed British girl Madeleine McCann from a rented holiday apartment in Portugal back in May 2007 has been named.

{RVO}

Christian B has been informed he is now a formal suspect, though charges are pending.

The decision is said to have been made before the 15-year limit for prosecuting perpetrators of serious crimes in Portugal, with authorities keeping their options open for now.

He has so far declined to be questioned, brushing aside his involvement in the girl's intriguing disappearance.

Christian B, now in his 40s, became highly suspect after allegedly confessing to snatching Madeleine while in a German bar on the 10th anniversary of her abduction.

Portuguese authorities insisted on protracting the probe despite reports Britain was planning to close its investigation into the cold case.