Man trying to extort money from Madeleine McCann parents detained in prison

Man trying to extort money from Madeleine McCann parents detained in prison

An Italian man held on suspicion of trying to extort money from Madeleine McCann parents has been detained in prison on orders from a National Court judge .

Judge Fernando Grande-Marlaska ordered Danielo Chemello, 61, be held in prison while France submits the paperwork necessary for an extradition, a court spokeswoman said.

French legal authorities now have 40 days in which to prepare and forward the paperwork.

A Portuguese woman, Aurora Pereira, 54, who was arrested with the man on Thursday, was brought before another court in southern Spain on Saturday.

Police said the two were suspected of trying to extort money from the McCanns with an offer to provide information about their missing 4-year-old daughter.