Prosecutors claim he supplied an organised crime gang with information about the victims and their homes, reports The Telegraph.

Cristovao is a long-time critic of Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry. The 51-year-old published a book about Maddie's 2007 disappearance which suggested her parents were to blame.

His book, The Star of Madeleine, claimed the toddler was dead and her body was dumped in the sea.

Cristovao called for Kate and Gerry to be arrested for leaving their children alone in a hotel room on the night Maddie disappeared.

In March, Cristovao played a prominent part in the documentary The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann. During this, it was revealed he was facing trial for his role in the robberies.

He admitted his involvement to the court in Cascais but denied being a gang leader.

The raids were led by Portuguese police officers who used fake search warrants to steal cash and valuables, reports Metro.

In one of the raids, a couple and their daughter were kidnapped.

Cristovao denies being involved in the kidnapping and The Telegraph reports he will appeal the charges.

This is not his first brush with the law. In 2009 he faced trial for torturing the mother and uncle of a missing girl into a false confession while he was still a detective.

After he was acquitted he headed Portugal's association for missing children.