I spent some minutes thinking through different indicators that an abduction occurred and everything you can think of could have be faked or have an alternative cause.
The PJ were waiting for a ransom demand, and there seem to have been some demands. Were they all considered hoaxes?
I don't know if this qualifies "
1901 Information about anonymous phone call received by OC employee.
Anonymous calls regarding Madeleine's disappearance 2007.06.24
07 Processos Vol VII, Page 1901
07_VOLUME_VI1a_Page_1901
ervice Information
Date: 2007.06.24
To: The Coordinator of the Criminal Investigation
From: Inspector Joao Correia
RE: Telephone call received by this police station
I am writing write to inform you that today, at 12H00, this police station was contacted by telephone by Maria Fernandes, an employee of the ''Ocean Club", situated in Praia da Luz- Lagos, who told us the following: She became aware that one of her colleagues, Paula Cristina Vieira, had received a message on her mobile phone, (where she could hear a child speaking in English) and in which someone asked for a million pounds.
She adds that the message was received on the 22nd of the current month and year and that the message is still available on her colleague's mobile.
She was asked to save the message so that the relevant inquiries to the investigation could be made
For your information.
Signed
Inspector
Joao Correia"
http://www.mccannpjfiles.co.uk/PJ/ANONYMOUS_CALLS.htm#ac1901