A 23-year-old Polish woman, Julia Wandelt, has been arrested at Bristol Airport on suspicion of stalking and harassing the parents of missing Madeleine McCann.
But here’s the thing – Julia claims she is Madeleine McCann.
Who is Julia Wandelt?
Julia has been making headlines since 2023, when she started posting on social media claiming to be the missing daughter of Kate and Gerry McCann.
Madeleine was just three years old when she was abducted from her hotel room in Praia da Luz, Portugal, back in 2007.
Despite a DNA test in April 2023 revealing that Julia has Polish, Lithuanian, and Romanian heritage (meaning she couldn’t be Madeleine), she’s continued to claim she’s the missing girl.
The DNA Evidence
Julia recently shared the results of new genetic testing on her Instagram account, @amijuliawandelt, claiming they “strongly support” the idea that Gerry McCann could be her father.
She even shared a post saying she’s a match for the toddler’s eyes, teeth, and voice.
The McCanns, however, have refused to take part in DNA tests to confirm or deny Julia’s claims.
Arrested at the Airport
Julia was arrested at Bristol Airport on Wednesday night, UK time, after flying in from Wroclaw, Poland. Her friend, who was supposed to meet her in Cardiff, was also arrested.
Julia’s representative, Surjit Singh Clair, confirmed the arrest and said she remains determined to get the McCanns to take a DNA test.
A Complex and Troubling Case
Julia’s story is a complex and troubling one. She’s spoken publicly about being sexually abused as a young child and has large gaps in her memory.
She began to believe she was Madeleine McCann after noticing similarities between sketches of suspects in the case and her own abuser.
Her family, however, has refuted her claims, saying they have memories, photos, and a birth certificate to prove she’s their daughter.
The Investigation Continues
The Madeleine McCann case has been ongoing for over 15 years, with the UK police spending £20 million on the investigation. Despite Julia’s claims, the McCanns remain skeptical, and the police have yet to confirm or deny any link between Julia and the missing girl. One thing’s for sure, though – this case just got a whole lot more intriguing. Stay tuned for further updates.