Polish woman Julia Wandelt, who claimed to be Britain’s missing girl Madeleine McCann, has been ruled out by DNA tests, court proceedings reveal.
DNA Findings Confirm Julia Wandelt Is Not Madeleine McCann
The UK National Police Authority announced on 14 October that DNA tests conclusively show Julia Wandelt does not match Madeleine McCann’s genetic profile.
Legal Proceedings Against Wandelt Continue
Court cases for harassment and stalking of the McCann family, fueled by Wandelt’s threats from 2022 to 2025, remain ongoing.
Wandelt’s Claims and Online Evidence
Wandelt, 24, from Lubin, South-West Poland, asserted in 2023 that she was the missing child, sharing childhood photos and claiming she was adopted and brought to Poland. She was arrested in 2025 on charges of harassment.
Police Response and DNA Test Decision
Investigators had earlier doubted Wandelt’s identity because of her age and lack of resemblance to Madeleine. After police planned her detention for harassment in February, Officer Mark Cranwell ordered DNA testing to prevent further victimisation of the family.