A Polish woman who gained widespread attention after claiming to be missing British child Madeleine McCann has been charged with stalking following her arrest at Bristol Airport.
Julia Wandel, 23, also known as Julia Wandelt, was detained by %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% Police after landing in the UK from Wroclaw, Poland, on Wednesday. She has been charged with four counts of stalking and is currently being held in custody.
High-Profile Claims and Arrest
Wandel first made headlines in February 2023 after posting videos on social media under the handle @IAmMadeleineMcCann, alleging that she was the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% daughter of Kate and Gerry McCann, who disappeared from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007.
Her claims sparked a global media frenzy, with widespread skepticism and public debate. Recent reports suggest Wandel released DNA %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% results claiming she was biologically related to Gerry McCann, though these assertions remain unverified.
Leicestershire %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% confirmed that Wandel was arrested at Bristol Airport upon arrival and charged with stalking. A police spokesperson stated:
"Ms. Wandel has been charged with four counts of stalking related to incidents that took place over the past year. She has been remanded in custody and will appear at %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% Magistrates’ Court on Friday."
Stalking Allegations
The stalking charges involve four separate incidents that reportedly occurred between January 2024 and %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% 2025, with two counts relating to offenses that took place between May 2, 2024, and February 15, 2025. A third count covers alleged stalking between January 3 and April 21, 2024, while the fourth relates to events between November 27 and December 29, 2024.
In addition to Wandel's arrest, another woman in her 60s, believed to be a UK associate of Wandel, was also arrested on suspicion of stalking. She has since been released on bail.
It has been alleged that Wandel was stalking Kate and Gerry McCann, although official statements have not confirmed specific victims.
DNA Claims and Public Controversy
In the weeks leading up to her arrest, Wandel reportedly released new DNA test results, which she claimed demonstrated a “perfect match” with genetic material found at the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% in Praia da Luz. A spokesperson for Wandel alleged that a "world expert" had compared her DNA to samples from the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% into Madeleine's disappearance, though no official verification has been provided.
These claims further fueled media attention and public intrigue, but also raised concerns over the mental %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%% of Wandel and the potential distress caused to the McCann family.
Court Appearance and Legal Proceedings
Wandel is scheduled to appear at Leicester Magistrates' %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%% on Friday, February 23, where she will face formal charges of stalking.
A spokesperson for %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_10%% urged the public to avoid speculation:
"This is an ongoing investigation, and we encourage the public to refrain from spreading misinformation. The %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_11%% will handle all matters related to the charges."
The McCann family has not yet issued a statement in %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_12%% to Wandel's arrest and the latest developments.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_13%% has reignited public debate over the long-running mystery of Madeleine McCann's disappearance, with many expressing concern over the harassment faced by the McCann family over the years. Mental health experts have also weighed in, suggesting that Wandel may require psychiatric evaluation in light of her persistent claims.
If convicted, Wandel could face significant legal penalties, including imprisonment and restraining orders.
This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
