The Madeleine McCann case has been out of the news in Portugal for some time, and in the last few years almost all developments have emerged from the prosecutor's office in Germany.
This latest news has been widely reported, though in some cases not very prominently and with few details.
Virtually everyone in Portugal knows about the case, though, with many having for months if not years followed the ins and outs. Not only the various criminal investigations, but the civil case in which Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann sued - ultimately unsuccessfully - the former lead detective on the case, Gonçalo Amaral, after he published a book about it.
He had already attracted a lot of criticism, particularly from British tabloids, which raised some hackles in Portugal, since the Judicial Police, or PJ, is in fact one of the country's most respected institutions.
It's not clear whether or when the Portuguese authorities might charge this or any other suspect in the case.
While there are legal deadlines, the pandemic could be grounds for the courts to rule that more time is allowed.
Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire, was on holiday with her family at the Ocean Club in Praia da Luz when she disappeared on 3 May 2007.
Madeleine's whereabouts remains unknown, despite her disappearance being the most heavily reported missing person case. She is due to turn 19 years of age in May this year.
Her case has been the subject of multiple documentaries, including a Netflix series which was criticised by her parents.
Jim Gamble, a former police officer who led a 2010 review of the case commissioned by the Home Office, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the case against Brueckner was strong.
He said: "This seems like a really strong case and that's why I don't think it is a procedural tick in a box to make sure they don't miss out because of the statute of limitations.
"I think there's been a growing case and we should not underestimate the confidence of the German police."
The child protection expert claimed a phone attributed to the convicted rapist placed him in the area within a 30-minute window. He also said Brueckner had burgled holiday homes in the area and had children's clothes in his camper van.
He continued: "I think the circumstantial evidence that I know exists is extremely strong… I wouldn't be surprised if charges follow."
Brueckner denies any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance.
Mr Gamble added: "It would just be fantastic to be able to give the McCanns peace of mind so far as knowing exactly what happened."