Timeline of Events: Polish Woman Claiming to Be Madeleine McCann Arrested in the UK
Early 2023 – Julia Wandelt’s Claims Surface
Julia Wandelt, also known as Julia Wendell or Julia Faustyna, gained worldwide attention after claiming on social media that she could be Madeleine McCann, the British girl who vanished in 2007 from a holiday resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal. She cited physical similarities, including a rare eye defect, and claimed she had little memory of her early years. Her assertions led to widespread media coverage, sparking debates and controversy.
April 2023 – DNA Test Results Disprove Her Claims
After intense public interest, Wandelt underwent a DNA test to verify her identity. The results confirmed that she was of Polish descent and had no biological connection to the McCann family. The findings discredited her claims, and her Polish parents reiterated that she was their biological daughter. Following the revelation, Wandelt briefly stepped away from the public eye but later resumed making statements about her alleged identity.
Late 2024 – Wandelt’s Renewed Allegations
Despite the DNA evidence, Wandelt continued to claim that she might be Madeleine McCann. She alleged that she had uncovered new DNA evidence suggesting a possible link to Gerry McCann, Madeleine’s father. However, both the McCanns and her Polish family refused to participate in further testing. Her persistence reignited media attention and speculation, with some questioning her motivations.
February 2025 – Plans to Travel to the UK
Reports surfaced that Wandelt planned to visit the UK, supposedly to meet a friend in Cardiff. She was accompanied by a 60-year-old woman from Wales. However, there were concerns that she might attempt to contact the McCann family again, raising legal and safety issues. British authorities were reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
February 19, 2025 – Arrival and Arrest at Bristol Airport
Upon landing at Bristol Airport, Wandelt was immediately detained by UK authorities. She was arrested on suspicion of stalking and harassing Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann. The 60-year-old woman traveling with her was also taken into custody. Both individuals were held as police conducted further inquiries.
February 20, 2025 – Response from Wandelt’s Representative
Following her arrest, Wandelt’s representative, Surjit Singh Clair, dismissed the allegations, calling them “nonsense.” Clair insisted that her visit to the UK had nothing to do with the McCanns and that she had only intended to see a friend. He criticized the authorities for what he described as an overreaction, suggesting that Wandelt was being unfairly targeted due to past controversies.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Reaction
As authorities continue their investigation, Wandelt’s arrest has fueled further speculation and debate. Many see her ongoing claims as a hoax that has caused unnecessary distress to the McCann family, while others argue that she is merely seeking the truth about her origins. The case adds another dramatic chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, a mystery that remains unsolved after nearly two decades. 
