FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist Daniel San Diego Captured in Wales After 20 Years on the Run

Daniel Andreas San Diego, a fugitive on the FBI’s “Most Wanted Terrorists” list, has been apprehended in North Wales after evading capture for over two decades. The 46-year-old was wanted in connection with two bombings that took place in the San Francisco area in 2003. These incidents involved two bombs detonating about an hour apart at a biotechnology company in Emeryville, California, in August. A subsequent bombing occurred in September at a nutritional products company in Pleasanton, California, where a bomb laced with nails exploded.

San Diego is linked to extremist animal rights groups, and the FBI had offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The FBI Director, Christopher Wray, emphasized that resorting to violence and property destruction is not an acceptable way to express views in the United States. San Diego’s capture was executed by the UK’s National Crime Agency in the Conwy area of Wales, reportedly near a rural property adjacent to woodland.

After his arrest, San Diego appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court as extradition proceedings to the United States commenced. The FBI Director remarked that San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years exemplifies the agency’s commitment to bringing fugitives to justice, no matter how long it takes.

The bombings did not result in any injuries, although authorities noted that the biotechnology blast was intended to harm first responders. The group Revolutionary Cells-Animal Liberation Brigade claimed responsibility, targeting companies associated with Huntingdon Life Sciences, known for its work with experimental drugs on animals.

San Diego vanished on October 6, 2003, while under FBI surveillance near downtown San Francisco.

Despite being out of sight since then, there were reported sightings worldwide. He was added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List in 2009, marking the first time a domestic terrorism suspect was included. Known to follow a vegan diet and work as a computer network specialist, San Diego was also noted for possessing a handgun and having a tattoo on his chest reading “it only takes a spark,” which may have been altered or covered. The FBI’s wanted poster warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Next Story