Forensic psychologist and investigator Dr. Fia Johansson has begun a full–scale investigation into the behavior of people who disseminated misinformation in the famous Madeleine McCann case. She has now directed her attention towards those who allegedly goaded Polish Julia Wandelt—a fake Madeleine—into harassment and stalking of the McCann family. Dr. Fia Johansson, with her field of study being forensic psychology and cyber investigations, is working in conjunction with police authorities in the United Kingdom as well as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to bring them to book.
The Evolution of a Hoax
Julia Wandelt was in the global spotlight in early 2023 when she publicly made a claim of being Madeleine McCann, the latter of whom disappeared in 2007. Social media and internet-based conspiracy theorists had fueled the accusation as it took shape into renewed speculation against Madeleine‘s parents, the McCanns. Dr. Johansson was initially drawn into the case through Wandelt‘s plea and coordinated the test of DNA which established Wandelt was Polish in ancestry and had no family connection to the McCanns.
Despite the obvious scientific evidence, some podcasters, YouTubers, and internet influencers continued to perpetuate the false narrative that the McCanns were not telling the truth. At the end of 2024 and into early 2025, things took a perilous turn. Wandelt was arrested at Bristol Airport on charges of stalking and intimidation of the McCanns. She was then charged with multiple offenses of stalking for sending unsolicited messages and attempting to approach the McCanns’ home.
For the McCanns, it reopened the wounds of the past. They had already endured years of speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding their child’s vanishing. They now had to contend with an obsessive campaign of misinformation and trolls on the web.
Dr. Johansson‘s Research Approach
Dr. Johansson‘s background in forensic psychology and crime investigation has put her right in the middle of solving the Wandelt case. She has worked on numerous high-profile cases with her knowledge of behavioral analysis and computer forensics.
Johansson had treated Wandelt‘s claim in a fair manner initially, ensuring that he investigated things carefully before making any conclusions. However, once it was proven through DNA tests that Wandelt was not Madeleine McCann, Johansson directed her efforts towards investigating those who had propagated the false narrative. What she found was a team of internet players not only that enabled Wandelt‘s allegations but also propagated hate against the McCanns.
Among them is one who goes by the name of “Julia Spockperson” and has been accused of playing the most prominent role in fuelling Wandelt’s delusions. Spockperson and one of the groups of commenters and podcasters on YouTube are also accused of spreading false DNA evidence and conspiracy theories with him that encouraged Wandelt to act against the McCanns directly. It is presently actively charting the extent of their influence with posts, videos, and logs of conversation to illustrate the way misinformation had effect in the world as harm.
Cooperation with U.K. Authorities
Dr. Johansson‘s efforts are being closely coordinated with British authorities. When Wandelt was arrested, British authorities reported her arrest was “part of an investigation” that was under way. This showed that there was a broader investigation into her web-based facilitators. Dr. Johansson has been feeding information to Leicestershire detectives and other authorities and building dossiers on key web-based players in the investigation. As reported in a recent interview with The Sun UK, through Dr. Johansson’s research she found a threat to the McCann family and reported it to the Leicestershire Police.
She is also working with the CPS to ensure any evidence gathered meets the legal thresholds for potential charges. Experts have said that YouTubers and podcasters who knowingly enabled Wandelt’s harassment of the McCanns may be prosecuted under stalking or malicious communications legislation. Johansson’s careful recording and forensic methodology are assisting the police in constructing a solid case against the perpetrators.
The Impact of Disinformation Online
The Wandelt case illustrates the daily reality of irresponsible rumor-mongering and misinformation on the internet. A patently absurd accusation escalated into something perilous because of the power of magnification of the internet. Social media celebrities spreading the lie not only misled their audience but also contributed to the agony of a bereaved family.
Dr. Johansson has been adamant throughout that internet hoaxes are not harmless. By working alongside law enforcement officials, she is making one point unmistakable: those who engage in harassment and the dissemination of misinformation for personal gain will have tangible penalties. Through their work, her research is bringing into new focus the growth of unregulated speculation on the web and the way it can culminate in criminal activity.
