A Polish woman who claimed to be missing Madeleine McCann has been charged with four counts of stalking following her arrest at Bristol Airport on February 21, 2025, according to Leicestershire Police.
Julia Wandel, 23, also known as Julia Wandelt, arrived in the UK after flying from Wroclaw, Poland, and was quickly taken by authorities right after disembarking. She has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Leicestershire Magistrates’ Court.
The situation surrounding Wandel has gained significant media attention, especially since she burst onto the social media scene under the account name '@IAmMadeleineMcCann' claiming to be the missing daughter of Kate and Gerry McCann. The McCann family has endured significant public scrutiny and heartbreak since their daughter vanished from their holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007, when she was just three years old.
Wandel has been charged with four counts of stalking, with incidents allegedly spanning from January 3, 2024, to February 15, 2025. Two of the charges relate to events between these dates, and the remaining counts involve incidents reported from May 2, 2024, to earlier this year.
Another woman, reportedly in her 60s from Wales, was also arrested on suspicion of stalking during this investigation but has been released on bail. This woman was believed to be associated with Wandel and was reportedly set to meet her upon her arrival.
Wandel's arrest highlights the bizarre developments surrounding her claims. Surjit Singh Clair, Wandel’s spokesman, confirmed her arrest to LBC, stating, "I'm trying to find out what's happened but it appears Julia has been arrested at Bristol Airport this evening just after she got off the plane." He noted the allegations against her involve stalking and harassing the McCanns.
Recently, Wandel released purported DNA test results which she claims confirm she is biologically related to Gerry McCann. She claims the analysis by what she describes as “a world expert” indicates remarkable similarities, including comparisons of physical traits like eyes, teeth, and voice with those of Madeleine McCann.
Clair stated, "The police have reportedly arrested her on an allegation of stalking and harassing the McCanns." He emphasized the need to understand the findings and circumstances surrounding this unusual case as it continues to develop.
Wandel's assertive claim to be Madeleine has drawn mixed reactions across social media, with some expressing support or empathy, and others viewing her efforts as misguided or harmful. She had previously suggested her source of information, who has not been named, believes her genetic material shows “strong support” for her claims of familial ties to Gerry McCann, including assertions of her DNA being described as “a perfect match” to samples taken from the crime scene of Madeleine’s disappearance.
While some might view her claims as dubious, the attention brought to her case cannot be dismissed. The phenomenon of individuals claiming to be long-missing persons is sometimes seen across various media landscapes, but often leaves real families to grapple with the emotional toll.
Wandel's role as the alleged stalker of the McCanns certainly puts her situation under the scrutiny of both the law and public perception. With her court appearance approaching, speculation about the true nature of her claims and the veracity of her DNA evidence will likely lead to intense media coverage and public interest.
The McCann family continues to seek peace, having faced the tragedy of their missing daughter for nearly 18 years. The legal proceedings stemming from Wandel’s arrest add another layer to what has consistently been fraught with pain and unresolved questions.
Indeed, as Wandel prepares to enter the courtroom, many may wonder what will be revealed during the upcoming legal proceedings and how it might impact both her life and the McCann family's enduring quest for closure.