FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitive Arrested in Rural Wales After Nearly 20 Years on the Run

 

Daniel Andreas San Diego, a fugitive on the FBI’s "Most Wanted Terrorists" list for almost two decades, has been captured in the Welsh countryside. The 46-year-old American, accused of involvement in two 2003 bombings in San Francisco, was apprehended on Monday by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in a rural area near Conwy, North Wales.

San Diego’s arrest followed a request from U.S. authorities, who are seeking his extradition to face charges related to the bombings. Specialist officers from the NCA’s national extradition unit, supported by counter-terrorism police and North Wales police, conducted the operation.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday as extradition proceedings commenced and was remanded in custody.

The FBI alleges that San Diego was involved in two bombings in 2003. On August 28, two bombs detonated an hour apart on the campus of a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville, California. A month later, on September 26, another bomb strapped with nails exploded at a nutritional products company in Pleasanton, California.

In July 2004, San Diego was indicted by a U.S. District Court in California. The FBI had described him as “armed and dangerous” and offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

According to the FBI, San Diego has ties to animal rights extremist groups, adheres to a vegan diet, and has several distinctive tattoos, including images of burning hillsides and buildings.

FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the significance of the arrest, stating, “Daniel San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years as a fugitive for two bombings in the San Francisco area shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable. There’s a right way and a wrong way to express your views in our country, and turning to violence and destruction of property is not the right way.”

As extradition proceedings begin, U.S. authorities are keen to see San Diego face trial for the alleged bombings. His arrest in Wales marks the end of an extensive manhunt and demonstrates the reach of international law enforcement collaboration.